Reading to be done before Class: Read AE Articles 3, 16, 17, and 19.  Optional Article 18
Come to class with a basic familiarity with the following concepts and ideas: biodiversity, ecosystem services, insurance principle, bioprospecting, invasive species,
Additional Assignment: Write a short paragraph that answers the following question and be prepared to discuss your answer in class: Why does biodiversity matter?

To prepare for discussion:

In lecutre we discuss the importance of preserving Costa Rica's tropical forests as well as tropical forests around the world. In addition to their role as sinks for carbon, and thus a mitigating factor in global warming, one of the most frequent arguments in support of tropical forest preservation is their biodiversity. In class we learned that biodiversity refers to the variety and abundance of species in a defined area. With high amounts of solar energy and moisture tropical forest biomes are among the most biodiverse in the world. They are also one of the most threatened frontier environments.

Our readings this week focus more broadly on the issue of biodiversity, not just in tropical forests, but worldwide. As Edward O. Wilson (2002:124) asks, why should we care why any particular species goes extinct? Does it really matter? The readings conclude that biodiversity does ultimately matter for economic, practical, and moral reasons. However, they also highlight disagreements about the extent to which biodiversity matters.

Economic concerns are central to all of the readings. The illegal trade in endangered species, the illegal CFC trade, and pollution of the oceans by ships flying flags of convenience are all driven by the concern to make a profit regardless of national or international law (Mastny and French 2002). While globalization has provided economic benefits for some, it has also resulted in a corresponding environmental globalization that allows invasive species to travel the world like never before. (McNeely 2004). Protecting biodiversity through bioprospecting may be more economically sound than using untouched wilderness for farms and ranches (Willson 2002). At the same time, however, while protecting biodiversity may make economic sense in the long term, some of the most biodiverse areas are in some of the poorest areas of the world. Without developed markets for the products of biodiverse areas with the immediate need for an income short term needs often take precedence over long term opportunities (Gibbs 2001). Protecting biodiversity may mean much more than simple preservation of forests and other lands. Ultimately the problem of protecting biodiveristy may be intimately connected with the problem of reducing human poverty.

Questions to think about as you read and that we will discuss in class:

1. What accounts for the growth in international environmental treaties in recent years?

2. How can illegal activities that harm the environment be monitored and stopped?

3. Why should we care about whether or not any individual species goes extinct? What are the moral and economic arguments in favor of protecting biodiversity? Are there any arguments against protecting biodiversity?

4. What does Wilson mean when he says that a species is "part of our culture"? (pg. 125)

5. What are ecosystem services and what are they worth in economic terms?

6. Why is there controversy over estimates of the rate of extinction?

7. What are the benefits of biodiversity for ecosystem stability and survival? What is the "insurance principle"?

8. What is bioprospecting and what are its potential benefits?

9. What are invasive species? Should governments seek stricter international regulations to prevent their spread?

10. Are claims about the economic benefits of biodiversity exaggerated given the arguments in "On the termination of species."?

11. Should decisions about protecting biodiversity be made based on economic or moral criteria or both? Why?

12. Should scientists engage in advocacy on behalf of environmental issues? To what extent does advocacy detract from their perceived "objectivity"? To what extent does advocacy contribute to solving environmental problems?