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Biodiversity and Endangered Species

Summary: Should we be trying to prevent species becoming extinct? If so, why? Introduction Author:Wu-Meng Tan ( Singapore ) Wu Meng graduated from Cambridge University with a medical degree and a PhD in molecular biology. A former president of the Cambridge Union Society, he was Best Speaker at the 2003 World University Debating Championships. Created: Friday, June 30, 2000 Last Modified: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 Context 'Biodiversity' means the variety of bacteria, plants, and animals that live on our planet. This includes the unique behavioural patterns and activities of each species. Biodiversity is an ecological concept discussed in many scientific circles. Many debates about biodiversity will ultimately boil down to how important this diversity is, either for its own sake, or for some specific human benefits. International agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aim to protect biodiversity. Issues linked to this debate about biodiversity will also arise in debates on genetically modified food and on animal welfare. Arguments Cons Pros The species Homo sapiens is unprecedented and unique among all life on earth. Human sentience and intelligence far surpass those of other creatures. These gifts have allowed human beings to populate the earth, construct industry, and affect the environment in a way that no The idea that extinctions will lead to ecological disaster is an exaggeration. Fossil evidence shows that mass extinctions have occurred many times throughout the history of life on earth, one of the most recent being the mass demise of the dinosaurs. After every collapse

other species can. This great power comes with great responsibility, and we should avoid abusing the earth, lest we cause irreparable damage damage like the extinction of species and the consequent reduction in biodiversity cause by deforestation, over-fishing, hunting, the illegal trade in ivory and other species etc. Protecting endangered species is an extension of our existing system of ethics. Just as modern civilisation protects its weaker and less able members, so humanity should safeguard the welfare of other less privileged species. Animals are sentient creatures whose welfare we should protect (even if they may not have the same full 'rights' that we accord to human beings).

of biodiversity, it subsequently rebounded, with the earth coming to no lasting harm. Extinctions are simply part of the natural evolutionary process.

No species on earth would put the interest of another species above its own, so why should human beings be any different? Furthermore, since the very beginnings of life, Nature has operated by the Darwinian principle of "survival of the fittest". Life forms that cannot keep up with the newest species on the block will always risk extinction, unless they adapt to the new challenge. Man has no obligation to save the weaker species; if they cannot match our pace, they deserve to die out and be supplanted by others. Modern science has advanced to the point where inspiration from Nature is no longer required. Today, medicines derived from natural products are in the minority. In any case, the upcoming era of genetic engineering will allow mankind to rid himself of disease without resorting to medicines.

The most successful pharmaceuticals have often used Nature as a starting point. Antibiotics were first discovered through the study of fungi, and many anticancer drugs are derived from the bark of exotic Amazon trees. Every time a species becomes extinct, scientists forever lose an opportunity to make a new discovery. As occupants of this planet, we must have respect for other life forms, especially since life on Earth may be the only life in the universe. We can show this respect by taking every effort we can to prevent the extinction of existing species, thereby preserving biodiversity.

Even if this respect was justified, its expression comes at a significant cost. Biodiversity policies are financially costly and spend taxpayers' money that could be better used on healthcare and social services. It does not make sense for us to concentrate on other species when humanity has not yet sorted its own welfare out.

Biodiversity is a global problem and demands a global solution. The developed world should apply pressure on the developing world to adopt more environmentally friendly policies.

Environmental protection and the protection of biodiversity are very much a luxury of developed nations. Many of these policies are beyond the financial means of developing nations, and implementing them would stunt their economic growth and disenfranchise the population. It is hypocritical for the West to criticise the lack of environmental protection in the developing, considering that the West got to its current position through an industrial revolution that paid no heed to biodiversity and other such concerns.

Motions This House believes in biodiversity This House fears the way of the dodo

School of Foreign Languages, SYNU, 2010.