Laws to Save the Earth
Today when the concern for the protection of endangered species is as pressing matter, every weapon that could be used in this crusade should be utilized. One of the biggest steps in saving endangered species is when laws are passed that aim for their protection and preservation.
The biggest threat to life on earth nowadays may just be global warming. The Clean Air Act is just one of the laws the aims to counter this adversary. In 1970, a much strong Clean Air Act was passed. This has resulted to significant improvements in human health and the environment in the US. The six commonly found air pollutants have decreased by more than 50 percent. New cars are now more than 90 percent cleaner. Ozone-depleting chemicals are also no longer being produced. There has also been 70 percent reduction in air toxics from large industrial sources, such as petroleum refineries, chemical plants, and paper mills. This is even though the U.S. domestic growth product has tripled, energy consumption has increased by 50 percent, and vehicle use has tripled already.
Another law that provides protection to endangered species is The Endangered Species Act or ESA. The Endangered Species Act that was passed in 1973 provides broad protection for species of fish, wildlife and plants that are listed as threatened or endangered in the U.S. or elsewhere. An endangered species is protected in a variety of ways in this act:
- Endangered species cannot be removed from its natural environment (except when it is necessary for injured animal that is in need of veterinary care or rehabilitation.)
- An endangered species cannot be hunted.
- It is illegeal to intentionally harm and main an endangered species
- It is prohibited to do any activity that directly poses a danger to an endangered species’ welfare and survival.
- It is prohibited to import, export, or selling an endangered plant or animal.
- Endangered Species Act also protects the habitat of the plant or animal, therefore the expansion into certain areas that constitute the endangered species’ habitat is limited. This includes residential development, commercial development, industrial development and the development of infrastructure (i.e. roads).
- Endangered Species Act also indirectly protects other elements of the ecosystem if those elements are essential to the survival of an endangered or threatened species.
Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.
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