The proposed changes to…

The proposed changes to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA) threaten the long-term health of ecosystems, prioritizing short-term economic interests over lasting environmental sustainability. Reducing the role of science in listing decisions and limiting habitat protections undermines the ESA’s effectiveness and risks irreversible biodiversity loss. Once a species goes extinct, it cannot be recovered, and many species provide vital ecosystem services or potential future benefits in medicine and agriculture. Weakening critical habitat rules could lead to fragmentation and destruction of ecosystems essential for species survival. These changes come at a time when strong conservation tools are needed more than ever to combat the accelerating impacts of climate change. Additionally, public support for wildlife protection remains high, and these rollbacks could spark legal challenges and public backlash, further delaying meaningful conservation progress. The ESA should be strengthened, not weakened, to ensure that it continues to protect both nature and future generations.