Author: aszh

by

21 Species Removed from US Endangered Species Act after Going Extinct

Oladipo, Gloria. “21 Species Removed from US Endangered Species Act after Going Extinct.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 17 Oct. 2023, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/17/extinct-species-removed-endangered-species-act.

Around 21 species, including the Bachman’s warbler and Little Mariana fruit bat,  have been removed from the US Endangered Species Act after being declared extinct. The move, initiated the September 2023, highlights concerns about biodiversity and climate change. Some species, like the Hawaiian herb Phyllostegia glabra var lanaiensis and the ivory-billed woodpecker, were spared based on new survey findings and extinction status debates. Wildlife advocacy groups emphasized the “permanent” consequences of neglecting biodiversity and climate issues. The Center for Biological Diversity laments the loss of irreplaceable species while highlighting the intertwined crises of extinction and climate change.

This article relates to climate change and environmental science because of climate adaptation joint biodiversity and climate crises. Environmental scientists contribute to the understanding of how species can adapt or struggle in the face of changing climates. Conservation strategies often need to account for the impacts of climate change on habitats and the species within them. Additionally, environmental science recognizes that these crises are deeply intertwined as both climate change and biodiversity loss are critical challenges that pose threats to ecosystems and the well-being of the planet.

by

Outfoxing Climate Change: Endangered Species Provides Lesson in Biodiversity

Makovec, Anne, and Molly McCrea. “Outfoxing Climate Change: Endangered Species Provides Lesson in Biodiversity.” CBS News, CBS Interactive, 21 Sept. 2023, www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/outfoxing-climate-change-endangered-species-provides-lesson-in-biodiversity/.

The San Joaquin kit fox is thriving on the campus of Cal State University Bakersfield, which demonstrates the importance of biodiversity in combating climate change. The foxes share spaces with other wildlife, including their favorite food, California ground squirrels. The university’s fumigation plan to control the squirrel population was halted due to student activism. The situation highlights the delicate balance between conservation and habitat management. CSUB emphasizes its commitment to protecting the kit fox population and acknowledges the role of biodiversity in environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. 

The article ties in with environmental science by touching on several key factors such as habitat management and climate change mitigation. A large portion of the article highlights the challenges of managing shared spaces between the kit fox and other wildlife, such as the California ground squirrels. Environmental scientists contribute to understanding how different species can coexist and the ecological impacts of human intervention, such as fumigation. Climate change mitigation is also a primary component of the decrease in biodiversity. Environmental scientists contribute to understanding the role of biodiversity in ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, and resilience.

by

US Judge to Decide Friday If Colorado Can Reintroduce Wolves Over

Press, Associated. “US Judge to Decide Friday If Colorado Can Reintroduce Wolves Over …” US News, 14 Dec. 2023, www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2023-12-14/us-judge-to-weigh-cattle-industry-request-to-halt-colorado-wolf-reintroduction.

The federal judge in Colorado is set to decide whether to temporarily halt the reintroduction of gray wolves, as approved by a voter initiative. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife plan to release up to 10 wolves from Oregon by December 31, 2023, under a 2020 ballot proposal. Cattle industry representatives filed a lawsuit, claiming the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service didn’t adequately review the state’s plan. While concerns about livestock attacks were raised, government officials argue further environment reviews aren’t necessary. The reintroduction, fulfilling a 2020 voter initiative, highlights the tension between rural and urban residents.

This article relates to environmental science as it involves the interplay between wildlife conservation and ecological restoration. The purpose of the reintroduction of gray wolves is to restore a species that was once extirpated from the region. Environmental scientists will be able to study the effects of the reintroduced species to measure the biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. Additionally, the return of gray wolves from Oregon is a step toward ecological restoration but filling a historical gap in the species’ range. Environmental science will be able to study the consequences of reintroducing apex predators, vegetation, and ecosystem health.

by

Federal Officials Consider Adding 10 More Species, Including a Big Bumble Bee, to Endangered List

Richmond, Todd. “Federal Officials Consider Adding 10 More Species, Including a Big Bumble Bee, to Endangered List.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 24 Jan. 2024, www.britannica.com/news/186738/bea85e98a6a28be635e498f31956e3a9.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will potentially add ten new species, including the Southern Plains bumble bee, to the Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and population decrease. The bee is a key species to its area, as it acts as the key pollinator and keystone species. Other species under review include freshwater fish, amphibians, rabbits, toads, invertebrates, and even plants. The Endangered Species Act listing provides protection and necessitates the development of recovery plans for listed organisms among over 1,300 species in the U.S. 

This article closely relates to environmental science because of its key topics such as pollinator decline and human impact on aquatic ecosystems. The Southern Plains bumble bee is a key pollinator that is significant to the pollinator’s impact in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Environmental science studies the roles of these pollinators and the results of their decline which allows researchers to create strategies revolving around their conservation. On the other hand, freshwater fish and amphibians reflect the concerns about the health of aquatic ecosystems. Environmental science assesses the impact of human activities, such as pollution, on aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants.

by

U.S. Sets Plans to Protect Endangered Whales near Offshore Wind Farms; Firms Swap Wind Leases

Parry, Wayne. “U.S. Sets Plans to Protect Endangered Whales near Offshore Wind Farms; Firms Swap Wind Leases.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 25 Jan. 2024, www.britannica.com/news/186738/67814ad1f39509c39e6e4ca4002e1b26.

Federal environmental agencies, such as the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and NOAA, announced their plans to protect the endangered North American Right Whales from offshore wind farm projects by adding AI and acoustic monitoring. The offshore wind farm projects cause underwater noise, vessel traffic, and changes in the whale’s habitat which makes these projects highly dangerous to the whales. The environmental agencies aim to mitigate potential impacts on the whales by developing quieter technology for future construction. The news coincides with Equinor and BP swapping offshore wind leases in NY and Massachusetts. 

This article is related to environmental science because of biodiversity conservation and habitat impact. Biodiversity conservation refers to the efforts and practices aimed at protecting the variety of life on Earth. So since these Right Whales are endangered, environmental scientists are studying the relationship between human activities and the preservation of these vulnerable species to better balance environmental sustainability with human needs. The article also addresses the alterations to marine habitats due the offshore wind projects and how the long-term consequences will affect the ecology and marine life of the area.

by

10 of the World’s Most Endangered Animals in 2023

10 of the world’s most endangered animals in 2023. (2023, May 19). Earth.Org. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://earth.org/endangered-species-day/

1) Amur Leopard: 84 left, threatened by poaching and habitat loss. 2) Rhinos: black, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos are poached for horns. 3) Orangutan: Bornean and Sumatran, facing deforestations. 4) Gorilla: Eastern and Western species, poached. 5) Saolo: rare mammal, population less than 50. 6) Yangtze Finless Porpoise: 1000-1800 left, threatened by fishing and pollution. 9) Turtle: Hawksbill, Kemp’s Ridley, and Leatherback turtles are severely endangered. 10) Elephants: African and Asian elephants are decreasing in numbers, with Sumatran elephants at risk of extinction.

This article was hard to summarize because it was in a list form, but it indeeply described each endangered species in their environment and the primary factors that are leading them to extinction. A lot of similar reasons for their extinction are poaching and habitat loss. Many of these animals are already very rare, so poaching these animals is insensitive and arrogant against our givers of natural resources in our shared environment. Additionally, this article reflects on National Endangered Species Day which is silly since we should be celebrating and acknowledging our environment and ecosystem every day to prevent the decline of natural resources.

by

Global Loss of Wildlife is ‘Significantly More Alarming’ than Previously Thought, according to a New Study

Paddison, L. (2023, May 22). Global loss of wildlife is ‘significantly more alarming’ than previously thought, according to a new study. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/22/world/wildlife-crisis-biodiversity-scn-climate-intl/index.html

48% of species are experiencing a rapid decline in population globally, with less than 3% seeing growth. A specific factor is the challenges that amphibians must face, diseases, and climate shifts in habitats. Animals in the tropics are more prone to rapid changes in their environmental temperatures. >70,000 species reveal a rapid decline in the relationship between global biodiversity erosion. 33% of “non-threatened” species are going extinct. Craig Hilton-Taylor, head of the IUCN Red List states that data analysis is over-inflating the situation. Conservation in thriving populations and habitats is vital for a sustainable future for our ecosystem.

This article is related to environmental science because it examines the effects and changes that are happening. The articles explain the result of worsened biodiversity and an increase in endangered species. It shocked me that some people, such as Craig Hilton-Taylor, don’t believe in climate change and the terrible results that humans have caused due to a lack of acknowledgment and minimal action to prevent this decline. Additionally, this article also mentions conservation instead of preservation which is a red flag.

by

Animals That Might Not Survive 2023

Messeter, J. (2023, January 23). Animals that might not survive 2023. Animals around the Globe. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/animals-that-might-not survive/#:~:text=From%20habitat%20loss%20to%20excessive,they%20might%20not%20survive%202023.

The decline of Earth’s biodiversity will cause endangered species to go extinct by 2023. Lot of addressing to this issue, but little to no action. Species face habitat loss and poaching, compounded by a lack of attention due to lesser popularity. Animals with high extinction rates this year are: The Bengal tiger, the Indochinese tiger, the Sumatran tiger, orangutans, Leatherback Turtles, Addaxes (white antelope), Vaquitas (whale),  Javan Rhinoceros, Mountain Gorillas, Amur Leopards, Irrawaddy Dolphins, and the Asian Elephants. Despite the decline, conservation efforts, parks, and sanctuaries can aid these endangered species’ survival and provide hope and protection.

This article is related to environmental science because it names specific endangered species and explains why or how they are losing biodiversity. The article also gives specifics of what the animals must face in order to overcome extinction. The animals being named are the animals that create the biodiversity in our ecosystem and without them, it causes direct human impact that wouldn’t meet our social needs. In contrast with other articles, it states that instead of preservation, conservation efforts, parks, zoos, and sanctuaries will help aid this fallout.

by

Global Study of 71,000 Animal Species Finds 48% are Declining

Guynup, S. (2023, June 5). Global study of 71,000 animal species finds 48% are declining.
Mongabay. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://news.mongabay.com/2023/06/global-study-of-71000-animal-species-finds-48-are-declining/

A study showed that out of 71,000 species, 43% are in decline, 49% are stable, and 3% are rising. Some factors of the fall are habitat loss, climate change, and hunting drive decrease. During the Industrial Revolution, the human population spiked in growth and species extinctions. Rainforest deforestation affects ⅔ of species. Climate change overgrows adaptation. Acknowledgment and identification of endangered species are essential. Some solutions are curbing hunting, trafficking, and reforestation. We need energy conservation and to support conservation groups. Scientists seek global cooperation for change.

This article is related to environmental science because it explains the decline of endangered species and the damage that humans have caused to our ecosystem and many others. “Climate change overgrowing adaptation” really hit me, in a sense that it’s crazy how adaptation would overgrow climate change if it weren’t for the intensive and abusive force we emit contributing to climate change. Some solutions that we can do to prevent the loss of more endangered species are acknowledgment of certain declining species, less hunting, trafficking, and reforestation to perverse wildlife.

by

BIODIVERSITY DAY 2023: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR EVERYONE

Biodiversity Day 2023: Building a sustainable future for everyone. (2023, May 22). Sustainability for All. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from https://www.activesustainability.com/environment/world-biodiversity-day/?_adin=02021864894

Human activity has already altered 75% of land and 66% of seas. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has stated that a million species are going extinct. 3+ billion people rely on marine life and 1.6 billion on forests. A major threat is climate change. Three species vanish every hour, 100-150 species are lost daily, and 15,000 to 80,000 species disappear yearly. For example, polar bears, frogs, and penguins are losing habitat or food sources. 100+ countries have already agreed upon the 30×30 Agreement to preserve 30% of land and sea by 2023.

My article is related to environmental science because it describes the conflicts and natural issues of our ecosystem revolving our the damage that we have placed upon it and the solutions that we can provide to help. The alteration of the land and sea by more than 50% is shocking since we have only barely explored the ocean. Additionally, losing 100-150 species is crazy especially since the article compared the loss with time. Hopefully, the 30×30 Agreement to preserve 30% land and sea by 2023 passes and becomes affective in benefiting our ecosystem and environment.