It is argued that animal extinction is a natural process, so humans have no justifiable reason to avert it. I disagree with this notion.
Admittedly, the disappearance of certain animals such as dinosaurs and dodos is considered natural because it occurs without direct human influence, like asteroid impact or volcanic eruptions, so it cannot be prevented. However, I am convinced that it remains our responsibility to prevent this phenomenon from happening. Specifically, there is no denying that human activities, such as deforestation and industrial pollution, have led to habitat loss and pollution, which are the primary reasons for animal extinction. Since humans are the drivers of ecological destruction, it is their duty to ensure animals’ existence. By doing so, we are not only fulfilling our moral duty toward nature, but we are also helping create a planet full of diversity for future generations to appreciate.
In addition, apart from fulfilling our ethical responsibility, I am sure that our efforts to halt animals’ death may open new avenues for scientific discoveries, which could bring immense benefits to mankind. For instance, the Sumatran Orangutan, a highly endangered species today, is worth protecting. If we ignore them, we will not be able to utilize them when conducting scientific research involving evolution and genetics. When this happens, understanding their close genetic relationship with humans as well as the possibility of scientific breakthroughs like cloning or medical advancements will not be possible.
In conclusion, although I find it admissible that certain animals no longer exist due to natural reasons, we must still recognize our ethical responsibility and animals’ potential contributions to scientific discovery, so we should exert more effort on protecting them than neglecting them.