Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion

It is important to consider what is the most important environmental problem, so that we can give priority to that issue. While some argue that it is the extinction of plants and animals, others believe that more pressing problems exist. In my opinion, air pollution and wildfires are bigger environmental issues.

According to some, animals dying out means the loss of organisms that can help us in the quest to understand how the human body functions. This is because more often than not it is not feasible for scientists to use human beings for research, so they usually use animals, whose physiology is to some extent similar to that of humans, making them the best option for research. Neuroscientists, for instance, learn how the brain functions by performing invasive experiments on snails. These people believe this is the major environmental problem since it signifies a potential loss of knowledge without which we cannot find the cure for diseases. Moreover, plants are important sources of drugs, meaning the extinction of them may impede drug discoveries.

Others, including me, however, believe there are more important environmental issues such as wildfires and air pollution. Wildfires have not only led to a loss of land and properties, but also the death of many people around the world; therefore, it is preposterous to say that the extinction of plants and animals is more serious than this. Furthermore, air pollution is partly responsible for the increased prevalence of respiratory diseases in this century, not to mention it has also contributed to global warming. For example, some research has shown that inhalation of smoke from industries significantly contributed to the development of asthma in childrens staying in New York.

In conclusion, although some feel that animals and plants dying out is OUR major environmental challenge, I believe wildfires and air pollution are more important problems. This is because they have had very harmful effects on the world, namely destruction of lives and properties and contributing to the development of respiratory diseases.