Douglas Chadwick

In the following viewpoint, Douglas Chadwick argues that individuals must sometimes give up their rights in order to protect the collective good. Although the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires restrictions on private property use, Chadwick maintains that they are necessary to protect all species, and in turn, human health and well-being. Although the ESA is not perfect, Chadwick claims it will improve as our scientific understanding of ecosystems and biological diversity deepens. Chadwick is a wildlife biologist from Montana and author of several books on endangered species.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What, according to Chadwick, makes the ESA the strongest piece of environmental legislation ever fashioned?
2. According to the author, why is each life form important?
3. In Chadwick’s opinion, why are small...