Across the Apocalypse on Horseback: Imperfect Legal Responses to Biodiversity Loss

24 Pages Posted: 16 Aug 2005

See all articles by James Ming Chen

James Ming Chen

Michigan State University - College of Law

Abstract

The most significant drivers of biodiversity loss can be described by HIPPO, the Greek word for horse. Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population, Pollution, and Overkill - in that order - are causing species losses on a magnitude worthy of one of geological history's great extinctions. Unfortunately, existing legal tools for addressing biodiversity loss are aimed precisely where human agency hurts least. The Endangered Species Act, for instance, more clearly punishes overkill than either habitat destruction or the introduction of alien invasive species. This brief article describes the predicament and prescribes a modest agenda for improving the law of biodiversity conservation.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Endangered Species Act, habitat destruction, invasive species

Suggested Citation

Chen, James Ming, Across the Apocalypse on Horseback: Imperfect Legal Responses to Biodiversity Loss. Washington University Journal of Law and Policy, Vol. 17, No. 12, 2005, Minnesota Legal Studies Research Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=776785

James Ming Chen (Contact Author)

Michigan State University - College of Law ( email )

318 Law College Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1300
United States

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