Ecosystems

Should we mount a massive effort to restore ecosystems that we   have  degraded even though this will be quite costly? For this weeks    environmental controversy we explore this question. Using the textbook,  and any   additional outside resources, answer the questions below.  Write a 1-2 paragraph   response to the questions posed to you. Remember  to cite your sources using APA.

Ecological restoration, which is discussed in your textbook, has a    critical role in protecting and understanding the Earth’s environments.    Unfortunately, even if personnel and financial resources are  available, many   sites are too damaged to be effectively restored. In  such cases, alternatives to   restoration must be pursued, including:  rehabilitation, remediation,   replacement, or the creation of  artificial ecosystems.
Some individuals   worry that large-scale ecological restoration could  mislead the public into   believing that any amount of environmental  damage can be undone. Ultimately, a   massive and expensive restoration  program could be offset by weakened   regulations and increased  environmental damage in other areas. Furthermore,   alternatives to  ecological restoration may be able to repair more sites at less   cost.

Based on what you have read and researched, do you believe that   the  loss of biodiversity is a concern for humans?  Should the government  not   only preserve but restore ecosystems that we have degraded the  biodiversity even   though this will be quite costly?