There are many environmental issues. One of the most pressing issues is biodiversity. It is not the most popular, or glamorous, but it is one of the most important. The loss of any species is a tragedy. The loss of many could be a disaster!
There are several sides to this issue. The loss of biodiversity in emergent countries is a serious problem. A problem that seems less pressing, but of growing importance is the problem of biodiversity in local, more settled areas of the world.
The issue is not immediately evident. It stems from the movement of plant species from one part of the world to others, which would, at first thought, seem to increase biodiversity in a given area. This may be true for short periods of time, but, in the long run, it can cause serious problems in the new area.
Many plants are fine in their home environment where natural controls keep the more aggressive species in check, but a new environment may allow them to grow unchecked. If this happens, the complete, or nearly complete destruction of all other plant species in the area can occur.
The damage is not limited to plants. The loss of native plant species may also spell the end of native wildlife as their food sources disappear. If we ignore this ever growing problem, we do so at our own risk.
Chinese Tallow Tree a non native threat to local biodiversity.