Weak Biden Endangered Species Rules a ‘Massive Missed Opportunity’
Weak Biden Endangered Species Rules a 'Massive Missed Opportunity' Common Dreams
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Conservationists Warn Biden Administration’s New Endangered Species Rules Fall Short
Conservationists have expressed concerns over three new federal rules proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, despite welcoming efforts by President Joe Biden’s administration to undo Trump-era damage to endangered species protections. These rules are deemed inadequate in addressing the worsening biodiversity crisis.
Restoring Important Protections for Species and Habitats
The proposed rules aim to restore important protections for species and their habitats, strengthen the processes for listing species, designating critical habitat, and consultation with other federal agencies. The rules also emphasize a science-based approach to improve the agencies’ ability to fulfill their responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
- Restoration of “blanket rule” for threatened species
- Ban on considering economic impacts of listing decisions
- Removal of barriers to designating unoccupied areas as critical habitat
The Center for Biological Diversity, which criticized the Trump administration for undermining the ESA, praised the agencies for these positive changes. However, they highlighted that only seven out of 31 harmful changes made in 2019 have been fully addressed and corrected in the final rules.
“We’re mostly still stuck with the disastrous anti-wildlife changes made by the previous administration.”
Stephanie Kurose, a senior policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed disappointment in the missed opportunity to address the worsening extinction crisis. She emphasized the need for bold solutions to guide conservation efforts in the face of the climate crisis.
Jamie Rappaport Clark, president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, also expressed hope for more substantial wildlife protections. She stressed the critical role of the Endangered Species Act in preventing species from going extinct and called for further action to fulfill its mission.
Environmental law organization Earthjustice echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment that the Biden administration did not fully reverse the damage inflicted upon the ESA and the imperiled species it protects. They emphasized the urgency of the extinction crisis and the need for bold action to prevent irreversible loss.
“Imperiled plants and animals do not have the time for half-measures, since extinction is forever.”
The new rules are expected to face legal challenges from farmers, ranchers, and right-wing groups. These developments come as President Biden and former President Trump prepare for a rematch in November.
The Sierra Club executive director Ben Jealous criticized Trump’s attempts to undermine the Endangered Species Act and called for urgent action to save biodiversity. He urged the Biden administration to increase protections for imperiled wildlife and use its power to safeguard habitat and biodiversity.
The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The conservation of endangered species and biodiversity aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Goal 14: Life Below Water – Protecting marine life and ecosystems
- Goal 15: Life on Land – Conserving terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use
- Goal 13: Climate Action – Addressing the impacts of climate change on species and habitats
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting sustainable practices to reduce harm to wildlife and ecosystems
Efforts to strengthen protections for endangered species and their habitats contribute to the global commitment to achieve these SDGs and ensure a sustainable future for all.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the issues related to endangered species protections and the biodiversity crisis, which are directly connected to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
- Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts.
The article highlights the need for urgent action to protect endangered species and prevent biodiversity loss, which aligns with Target 15.5. It also emphasizes the importance of integrating ecosystem and biodiversity values into planning and development processes, which relates to Target 15.9.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
- Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators, but the Red List Index, which measures the extinction risk of species, can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 15.5. Additionally, progress towards national targets established in accordance with the Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 can be used as an indicator for Target 15.9.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies, and accounts. | Indicator 15.9.1: Progress towards national targets established in accordance with Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 |
Note: The article does not provide specific information about the progress towards these targets or indicators.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: commondreams.org
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