This week, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced her intentions to expand conservation techniques and pursue innovation in preventing climate change and the impact it has on the environment.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a revision to section 10(j) regulations under the Endangered Species Act to allow for the "introduction of listed species to suitable habitats outside of their historical ranges," according to a June 6 news release.
“Climate change and the rapid spread of invasive species pose an ever-increasing threat to native biodiversity," Haaland said in the release. "The time to act – and use every tool at our disposal – is now. The growing extinction crisis highlights the importance of the Endangered Species Act and efforts to conserve species before declines become irreversible. This effort to update proven conservation tools will help ensure species on the cusp of extinction can recover and thrive for generations to come.”
This marks the first Endangered Species Act rule produced under the Biden administration, according to the release. This will enable the ESA to better facilitate the recovery process, not only prevention.
“Recovering species and preventing their extinction will require innovative, proactive, science-based policies and conservation actions that address the growing impacts from climate change and invasive species before it is too late," Martha Williams, service director, said in the release. "The service remains committed to working with our diverse state, local and Tribal partners to meet these growing challenges and appreciates how vital locally driven, partnership-based solutions will be in the coming years.”
Scientists have observed endangered wildlife responding differently to the effects of climate change already, prompting quick action by the relevant government agencies, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report. Some species and ecosystems are losing habitat due to increased temperatures, altered rain and snow patterns, sea level rise and greater frequency and intensity of drought and wildfires. These species include the Mount Rainier ptarmigan in Washington state, Montana stoneflies and the emperor penguin found in the Antarctic.
