Chapter 1.3
Sensitive Lands and Wildlife Habitat

Subchapter Introduction

By Chris Duerksen and Jonathan Rosenbloom

In the early 20th Century, the biggest threats to wildlife were over-hunting and over-fishing. Mankind is still the biggest threat to wildlife, but the primary reason today is destruction of critical habitat by development. One-third of all species in the United States are at serious risk. In fast-growing states like Florida, Texas, and California, the threats to native ecosystems have been rated extreme. These problems have been exacerbated by global warming and climate change, which are putting additional stress on wildlife. Fortunately, and often because of the value of wildlife to their local economies, local governments across the U.S. are taking action to preserve wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

Implications of Not Addressing the Issue

Environmental guru Lester Brown, in his sobering book Plan B, warns that if action is not taken quickly and decisively, mankind will witness the sixth major species extinction event in history. According to Brown, the first five were caused by natural disasters and climate change. This one will be the first caused exclusively by humans, because it will result mainly from habitat destruction. The resulting loss will be immeasurable not only in economic terms, but also in terms of man’s quality of life and the character of our communities. As noted biologist Edward O. Wilson has observed, “Surely the rest of life matters.” Elizabeth Kolbert, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History (Henry Holt and Co. 2014).

In May 2019, the United Nations issued a summary of its largest assessment of wildlife to-date and the results were alarming – 1 million species are at risk of extinction at current rates of development. The report stated, “Human actions threaten more species with global extinction now than ever before . . . . around 1 million species already face extinction, many within decades, unless action is taken.” Hundreds of experts from across the globe worked on the 1,500-page report, which was approved by 131 countries, including the U.S.

The U.N. report noted that ¾ of Earth’s land has been manipulated, resulting in pollution, dead zones, climate disasters, and other habitat stressors. Destruction of habitats for “land development” (farming, housing, fishing, mining, etc.) was recognized as one of the principle drivers of the extinction. The report noted that more than 500,000 land species do not have enough habitat to ensure their long-term survival. As an example, the reported noted that since the 18th century 85% of global wetlands have been lost. Sandra Diaz, et al., Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, https://www.ipbes.net/sites/default/files/downloads/spm_unedited_advance_for_posting_htn.pdf (May 6, 2019).

Goals for Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity Protection

Land use and zoning regulations can play an important role in helping to protect wildlife habitat in a number of ways. These are incorporated into the primary goals for wildlife habitat and biodiversity protection. This subchapter seeks to turn development into a positive for habitat protection and biodiversity.