Habitat Destruction

Jose Colon
12th Grade
School of Information Technology @ Eastside

            “Home is where the heart is"- Pliny the Elder. This quote perfectly captures the way humans are ripping out the “heart” of nature's wildlife. The destruction of natural habitats has been a constant problem throughout history. Deforestation is the leading cause of habitat destruction and although it is an extremely pressing issue, the pollution of our oceans is following very closely and causing a devastating effect on marine life. In order to help wildlife survive, it must become a pressing issue while exposing the horrors of its effects.

            Habitats have existed before humans walked the earth, yet so easily we overtake these lands as if it has no impact on the wildlife. The Earth is a gift that keeps on giving and sadly these gifts become fewer each year. Deforestation is clearing Earth's forests on a massive scale and the world’s rain forests could completely vanish in a hundred years at the current rate of deforestation. The most dramatic impact is a loss of habitat for millions of species. Seventy percent of Earth’s land animals and plants live in forests, and many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes"[1] The habitats that we have lost has made it apparent that not only have we taken homes of the wildlife but we are also driving them into extinction. These species include the south China tiger, the African wild dog and many more in an ever growing list[2]. Although this is a global issue the effects of habitat destruction are apparent in our own back yard. According to an article published in 2009 by the Star ledger Staff, the Quail has become endangered in the United States. In fact, out of the entire country New Jersey has been one of the most in Quail decline[3]. The decline in Quail population is serious as nearly half of the world's population has been lost. The rate we destroy outweighs the rate of growth, and all wildlife, animal and plant, is affected by human intervention.

            According to an article in marinebio.org[4] marine life is more difficult to take note of as to how much marine life has actually been lost. However, it has been proven that such life is decreasing at an alarming rate due to pollution and man's encroachment. For example, "two- thirds of marine life is endangered now. There are three main reasons why they are all endangered. One reason is that with all the trash and chemicals in the ocean water it becomes difficult for the marine life to breathe. Next, is that many animals like turtles, choke on garbage because they think its food. Lastly, when toxic waste harms one organism; it will end up harming a whole food chain of marine life."[5] Plastic is the most commonly found piece of trash with over 10 million pounds of it dumped in the ocean. Waste is being dumped through ships, untreated sewage, and even military ammunitions and chemicals.[6] Our lakes, rivers, and steams are being polluted by many industries because it is more cost efficient or just because it is more convenient. The rate that we are polluting our resources is already proving to have devastating effects. If the destruction of natural habitats continues to rise there will come a point when the earth can no longer compensate.

            With such a major concern about the destruction of wildlife habitats you would think governmental bodies would be actively involved in resolutions. On the surface, they are. Laws have been around since the late 1940s. It began with The Water Pollution Act in 1948 which lead to it becoming the Clean Water Act in 1972. The government has even tried to protect the endangered animals from becoming extinct with the passing of the Endangered Species Act in 1973[7] which forbade the sale and exporting from their natural habitats. However, although these laws were enacted to protect wildlife, efforts of these laws have gone unnoticed because they have been difficult to enforce and many industries are actively taking part in continuing these devastating acts. For example, industrial farming has been polluting our waterways with fecal matter for several decades.

             As a result, the question that arises is what can be done? Citizens must take an active role by holding government accountable for protecting the homes of our wild life. It is the responsibility of governments worldwide to become more transparent, more diligent in enforcing laws with stiffer or more stringent penalties. There should be more efforts to keep constant monitoring of these endangered habitats and wildlife. With the government taking on a more proactive role and being more diligent in enforcing these laws hopefully industries would become more prudent in their decisions as to how to control their wastes.

            As you can see government intervention can help. However, it is up to all of us to contribute to the well-being of our wildlife. The average citizen must be made aware of and educated about this issue and become actively involved as well. There are hundreds of organizations out there that people can join. Additionally, we should become aware of who is participating in polluting these environments and how they are doing it. When we become vigilant of these corporate and industrial perpetrators we should either protest the companies’ actions or boycott the products. By protesting actions or boycotting products we can send a clear message that cannot be ignored. This awareness can put pressure on governing bodies which can result in increased penalties and stronger enforcement.

            As you can see, whether animals and plant life are mistreated or have lost their homes, it’s up to us to make a difference. If we can stop the senseless destruction of natural habitats we can make a difference in the casualties suffered from such actions. We cannot allow the destruction of our natural resources to continue. This must be accomplished before the effects are beyond reversible. A quote from Joni Mitchell says it all, "You don't know what you have till it's gone. We paved paradise and put up a parking lot."   

Works Cited

"Deforestation Facts, Deforestation Information, Effects of Deforestation - National Geographic." "Extension Forestry & Natural Resources." Rules, Regulations and Laws Affecting Wildlife Management : Extension : Clemson University : South Carolina. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.

"Experts You Should Follow." Answers. Answers Corporation, n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.

"Marine Habitat Destruction -- National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.

National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.

"Pollution Issues." Ocean Dumping. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2015.

"Species List." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2015.

"Threatened & Endangered Species." Threatened and Endangered Species. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2015.