Law Commons^™

Two Propositions About Biodiversity, Clifford S. Russell

Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law

In his opening statement, Professor Russell gives two reasons why humankind should worry about the diversity of life on earth: (1) diversity is thought to make ecological systems more resilient to natural and man-made shocks; and (2) diversity provides a library of genetic information upon which society may draw. Professor Russell nevertheless warns against the notion that a 'safety-first" or safe minimum standard approach to environmental preservation is the correct response to these concerns. First, 'safety" is impossible to define. And, second, preserving all systems at all costs demands that society forego significant current economic rewards that result from altering …