Question

Hi All,

n order to protect the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) population, logging was greatly reduced in 1994, even though it was projected to cause the loss of over 30,000 jobs in the rural communities of the Pacific Northwest. After the plan was implemented, jobs were lost (although there is some debate as to whether the recovery plan was wholly responsible) but the owl population continued to decline. Based on the information provided, please answer the following questions:

In your opinion, do you think the job loss was worth the attempt to save the owl population, even though it seems to have been unsuccessful? Justify your rationale.

Suggest whether or not you would support further reduction in logging, along with its inevitable loss of jobs, in order to try to save the northern spotted owl.

Hypothesize whether or not you believe it is possible to have both a healthy environment and a healthy economy. If you believe it is possible, suggest one (1) way this could be feasible. If you don’t believe it is possible, suggest one (1) factor that would have to change to foster a healthy environment and economy.

Answer 1

I think it was worth the attempt. Actually less knowledge about the reasons for the extinction of this bird is the real reason for failure. But we should not get disheartened. The need of the hour is to accept our mistakes. The failure in turn contributed to our knowledge. It increased our knowledge. We should try our best to have the proper environmental impact studies in the first place before shutting any industry. That will reduce problems even though we can be never 100% sure about the effects of our actions. Some risks are worth taking if the aim is greater good of all

2 I will definitely support if it leds to reduction of owl population. I will recommend reassessment of scientific rationale behind ban. If scientists are in favour of the ban I will whole heartedly welcome it. We should try to create jobs in other sectors to reduce unemployment problem

3 yes it is possible. One way is to invest in green technologies which can create jobs inturn. Such technologies can be good for both reason. E. G wind energy contributes to around 1 lakh jobs in USA.