Preserving Biodiversity Just for the Beauty of Nature

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PHOTO: MOTHER EARTH NEWS STAFF
Ecologists Anne and Paul Ehrlich argued that pure aesthetics—the beauty of nature—was a valid reason to preserve biodiversity beyond the usual practical or utilitarian considerations.

The direct and indirect economic benefits that human beings
receive from other species are potent reasons for deep concern about the
ongoing extinction of the world’s plants, animals, and
microbes. But there are other, largely noneconomic, reasons
for doing our best to preserve biodiversity. Reasons which some people may think

  • Published on Jul 1, 1981
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