From Pervaze A. Sheikh, Kezee Procita and R. Eliot Crafton comes the shortest-titled (as far as I know) CRS report (updated 8 July 2021): 'Biodiversity'
Download CRS_InFocus_Report_Biodiversity_8July2021
Summary
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, and definitions of biodiversity generally encompass measures of diversity at the genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. Assessing changes in biodiversity—including both losses and gains—at all three of these levels and the causes, or drivers, of these changes is of interest to many scientists and other stakeholders. Addressing biodiversity, including biodiversity loss and the potential consequences for humans, is also of interest to some Members of Congress. Some Members have introduced legislation in the 117th Congress that aims to conserve species and ecosystems.
Biodiversity decline is a concern for many stakeholders and policymakers due to the relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human welfare. For example, agricultural crops can be derived from wild species; plants are often sources of natural medicines and contribute to prescription drug development (e.g., the rosy periwinkle found in Madagascar is the basis for medicine treating Hodgkin’s disease and childhood leukemia); wildlife provides essential nutrition and recreation; and ecosystems provide services for humans (e.g., flood control, carbon sequestration, pollination, and water filtration).
Measuring Biodiversity
How many species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms exist on Earth is a fundamental, yet complex, question. As it is not currently possible to quantify every living species, scientists have used extrapolations to estimate total species richness. Due to different scientists’ different methods and assumptions, estimates for the number of species on Earth have varied, sometimes widely. To date, scientists have directly described approximately 1.5 million species. Many estimates place the actual number of species between 8 million and 15 million, though estimates have ranged from below 5 million to over 100 million species.In addition to assessing species diversity, biodiversity often incorporates concepts of genetic and ecosystem diversity. Genetic diversity is a measure of genetic variation among individuals of the same species. Ecosystem diversity is a measure of the variety of ecosystems, defined as the community of organisms and their physical environments interacting together, in a given location.
Changes in Biodiversity
The number of species on Earth is not static, and extinctions and speciation constantly occur through natural processes. Humans also influence biodiversity, and many scientists assert that biodiversity is currently being lost at a rate unprecedented over human history. Some counter this assertion by arguing that extinction is part of evolution and that all species are somewhere on the road to extinction; they note that there have been five mass extinctions in Earth’s history without anthropogenic pressure.Status of Biodiversity
The IPBES published a 2019 study on global biodiversity that assessed past, present, and potential future trends in biodiversity and ecosystem services. In the study, scientists found that societal effects on land, freshwater, and oceans have accelerated in the past 50 years and are contributing to an increase in the number of species threatened with extinction and the alteration of ecosystems and the services they provide to humans. Some scientists, however, argue that changes in biodiversity at the global scale may not reflect changes at the local scale, where biodiversity could be stable or increasing in some regions.By analyzing the proportion of known species currently threatened by extinction (see Figure 1), the IPBES extrapolated that roughly 1 million species—including both known and unknown species—could be threatened with extinction.
Cutting to the chase...
Role of Congress
Some in Congress argue that existing U.S. laws and policies are sufficient to address biodiversity issues. Others call for new authorities or additional funding to address these issues. Stakeholders and policymakers note several avenues that Congress might consider: Conducting oversight over the implementation and funding of existing laws and programs that address biodiversity, such as the Endangered Species Act
Establishing a biodiversity program to holistically address biodiversity in the United States that includes a biodiversity strategy, as called for in H.Res. 69 in the 117th Congress, and a national biodiversity assessment
Considering ratifying the CBD and other agreements, such as the Convention on Migratory Species
Enacting and funding the America the Beautiful initiative, which aims to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030
Enacting biodiversity-related legislation in the 117th Congress, such as the Critically Endangered Animals
Conservation Act of 2021 (H.R. 1569 ) and the Protect the Global Amphibians Act (H.R. 2026)
Enjoy!
"Where you are, there you are." - Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne)
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