Searching for Common Ground Between Life and Extinction

Authors: Christopher Hoagstrom, Kevin Bestgen, David Propst, Jack Williams

Year: 2018

Abstract

Lineages of desert fishes that have persevered millions of years, through droughts exceeding any in the historical record, now collectively spiral toward extinction in the industrialized desert signaling the loss of functioning aquatic ecosystems. A century of large-scale water-resource development for agricultural and urban expansion has diminished these ecosystems to a point that exceeds prehistoric megadroughts, although the accompanying climate is relatively wet. Anthropogenic habitat degradation and introductions of nonnative species exacerbate ecological depreciation. Persistent impacts create an ecological ratchet that now elevates extinction risks for remnant populations. Full restoration of natural habitats may be impossible today, but preservation and rehabilitation of remnant ecosystems and functions are critical. Collaborative approaches to reverse ratchet-like impacts could reduce extinction risks but need more public support and wider application. This is a wicked problem because resource managers face many limitations and require cooperation among numerous private and governmental organizations representing diverse values and priorities. Greater fusion of science, environmental ethics, and ecological economics could unveil common ground among stakeholders, which will be critical to forestall looming threats.