There are several points of view concerning the importance of maintaining biological diversity. For example, environmental groups in the Northwest want to restrict logging to save the habitat of an endangered bird. Timber companies insist that the well-being of one bird type is not as important as the well-being of the population who will be affected if the restriction causes the companies to lay off workers. How do you respond to these arguments? Is there a possible compromise? (LO 3.1)
What major environmental threats affect the National Parks? How could the National Parks in the United States be used more sustainably? (LO 3.2)
Imagine that you are the “sustainability guru” for the world. Identify the three most important features of your policies for using and managing:
Forests
Grasslands
Nature reserves, parks and wildlife refuges
Biological hotspots
Areas with deteriorating ecosystems
(LO 3.2)
Coastal and inland wetlands serve important ecological and economic roles globally. Despite their value, over half of the wetland areas in the United States have been lost in the last 100 years. Discuss two solutions for protecting and restoring wetlands.(LO 3.3)
