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Would climate change justify the introduction of non-native species?

Climate-change is a very controversial topic. Today however, science has shown a concerning pattern of global warming, possibly - although not definitely - caused by human elements such as deforestation, over-demand of goods, soaring populations, fossil fuel consumption, and more. More recently, a certain debate has grown amongst those with concern for the environmental future.

Is climate-change a justification for the introduction of non-native species? Could it be possible, that in certain instances, the introduction of a non-native species into a region could have some positive effects in the fight against global warming? The notion rings of potential truth, but is a topic of vast depth.

Proponents of the non-native introduction theory cite individual chain reactions thought possible by such actions. Perhaps a non-native fish is introduced. The thinking may be that this particular fish will feed another fish, which, in turn, will benefit a shoreline predator that will, in turn, greatly benefit a range of vegetation badly needed. The thought process behind such theories does seem to be sound at first consideration.

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Opponents of such theories argue that other, sometimes unforeseen, environmentally-stressful results are likely to take place due to non-native introductions. Any possibility of positive impact is argued to be offset by new stresses and calls for adaptation that would subsequently need to take place in the local ecology. This ecology, as part of the larger picture of climate-change, is of course, already under stress.

The truest picture we have an authoritative answer on the subject actually comes straight from the top. Through the means of the top research and science, the United States Forest Service has concluded in short that any attempts to introduce non-native species to an environment is completely counterproductive to the causes of fighting global warming and environmental depletion. Giving an extended statement at http://www.fs.fed.us/ccrc/topics/invasive-plants.shtml , the service goes on to mention the chief concerns of opponents as justification for non-introduction – extra stress applied to an already stressed ecological system does not help in the fight against climate-change.

In conclusion, until there is proof otherwise, we are best served by not introducing non-native species to new environments. Although the implication is noble, the result is extra stress on a global habitat that is already under fire. For additional authoritative details on the subject, again, visit the USFS website or contact them directly.

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