What should we do about invasive species, and should we do anything at all? – The Public’s Radio

Report on Invasive Species and Their Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Defining Invasive Species in the Context of Global Sustainability

The proliferation of invasive species presents a significant challenge to global environmental stability and sustainable development. Understanding the terminology is critical for effective policy and action, particularly in relation to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Native Species: Organisms historically found within a specific ecosystem or region.
• Non-Native Species: Organisms introduced to a new region, often by human activity. Many non-native species, such as agricultural livestock, are integral to the global economy and food systems, contributing to goals like SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
• Invasive Species: A subset of non-native species that causes demonstrable harm to the environment, economy, or human health. This negative impact directly contravenes the objectives of several SDGs.

The classification of a species as “invasive” can be subjective, depending on whether its perceived benefits outweigh its costs to different stakeholders. This complexity requires a balanced approach that considers various sustainable development priorities.

2.0 Impacts on Key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Invasive species undermine progress across multiple SDGs. Their management is essential for protecting ecosystems and ensuring human well-being.

1. SDG 15: Life on Land: This is the most directly affected goal. Invasive species are a primary driver of biodiversity loss, threatening native flora and fauna and disrupting ecosystem balance. Target 15.8 explicitly calls for measures to prevent the introduction of and control invasive alien species.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Agricultural productivity is threatened by invasive pests. The spotted lanternfly, for example, decreases crop yields, jeopardizing food security and the livelihoods of farmers.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Invasive species can pose risks to human settlements. Non-native palm trees in Los Angeles, for instance, have been identified as a significant fire risk, threatening urban safety and resilience (Target 11.5).

3.0 Management and Control Strategies for Invasive Species

Addressing the threat of invasive species requires targeted strategies, which vary based on the scale of the infestation. These actions are critical for mitigating damage and advancing the SDGs.

• Eradication: In cases where an invasive species is confined to a small, localized area, complete removal may be possible. This is the most effective but least common scenario.
• Biological Control (Biocontrol): For widespread infestations, biocontrol is often the only viable option. This method involves introducing a natural predator from the invasive species’ native range to reduce its population to a manageable level.

4.0 The Role and Regulation of Biological Control

Biocontrol is a powerful tool but requires rigorous oversight to prevent unintended consequences that could further harm ecosystems and impede SDG 15.

• Historical Risks: Early biocontrol efforts in the 19th century sometimes resulted in the new species becoming invasive itself. The introduction of the harlequin ladybug to control aphids led to the displacement of native ladybugs and the spread of a parasite.
• Modern Protocols: Contemporary biocontrol practices are subject to years of stringent testing by federal and state agencies. According to expert analysis, biocontrol programs implemented in recent decades have a strong safety record, with no significant backfires. This careful, science-based approach ensures that biocontrol serves as a responsible and effective tool for managing widespread invasive species and protecting biodiversity.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land: This is the most central SDG, as the article’s entire focus is on invasive species, their impact on native species and ecosystems, and methods for their control. The discussion on Japanese barberry, spotted lanternflies, and the displacement of native ladybugs directly relates to protecting terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The article connects invasive species to food production by stating that spotted lanternflies “decrease the yield of various crops.” This directly impacts agricultural productivity and food security, which are core components of SDG 2.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article mentions that non-native palm trees in Los Angeles “can pose a pretty big fire risk.” This links the issue of non-native species to urban safety and resilience against disasters, a key aspect of SDG 11.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.8: “By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.” The article is fundamentally about this target. It defines invasive species, discusses their negative impacts, and explores control mechanisms like biological control, which is a measure to “reduce the impact” and “control” these species.
• Target 15.5: “Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.” The article provides a clear example of biodiversity loss when it mentions that the introduced harlequin ladybug “ended up displacing native ladybugs,” which is a direct threat to local biodiversity.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.4: “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production…” The threat posed by the spotted lanternfly, which can “decrease the yield of various crops,” directly undermines the goal of sustainable and productive agriculture. Controlling such pests is a necessary practice for building resilient agricultural systems.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.5: “By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters…” The article’s point that non-native palm trees in L.A. pose a “big fire risk” identifies an environmental hazard that can lead to disasters. Managing such species is a measure to make cities safer and more resilient to disaster risks.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Implied Indicator for Target 15.8: The article implies progress can be measured by the reduction in the population of invasive species. Dov Sax states that biocontrol can “knock back its abundance.” Therefore, a relevant indicator would be the change in the abundance and spread of specific invasive species (like the spotted lanternfly) following control interventions.
• Implied Indicator for Target 15.5: The article’s example of the harlequin ladybug displacing native ladybugs suggests an indicator. Progress could be measured by monitoring the population trends of native species known to be threatened by specific invasive species.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Implied Indicator for Target 2.4: The article explicitly links the spotted lanternfly to crop yields. An indicator for this target would be the measurement of crop yield losses attributed to invasive species. A reduction in these losses would signify progress.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Implied Indicator for Target 11.5: The mention of fire risk from non-native palm trees points to a clear indicator. Progress could be tracked by the number and severity of fires linked to invasive or non-native plant species in urban and peri-urban areas.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thepublicsradio.org