Across the Apocalypse on Horseback: Biodiversity Loss and the Law

Abstract:     
The most significant drivers of biodiversity loss can be described by HIPPO, the Greek word for horse. Habitat destruction, Invasive species, Population, Pollution, and Overkill - in that order - are exterminating species at a rate worthy of one of geological history's mass extinctions. Unfortunately, existing legal tools for stemming biodiversity loss are aimed precisely where human agency matters least. The Endangered Species Act, for instance, more clearly punishes overkill than either habitat destruction or the introduction of alien invasive species. This article describes the predicament and prescribes a modest agenda for improving the law of biodiversity conservation.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Endangered Species Act, habitat destruction, invasive species, bioprospecting

JEL Classifications: O13

Accepted Paper Series