Introduction The Earth is currently facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, and scientists warn that human activities are driving the planet toward ecological collapse. While some people argue that the most urgent...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
Understanding the debate around the loss of species versus broader environmental issues is crucial for writing a high-scoring English essay. This guide breaks down the core arguments, provides a complete model essay, and offers examiner insights to help you move beyond simple statements and develop a nuanced, well-supported analysis.
In the Norwegian curriculum (LK20), the interdisciplinary topic of "Sustainable Development" is central. Exam tasks frequently require you to discuss complex global challenges where there is no single, easy answer. A common essay format is the "discuss both views and give your opinion" task, which tests your ability to analyse a topic from multiple perspectives, weigh evidence, and form a reasoned conclusion. This topic, comparing the specific problem of species extinction with systemic issues like climate change, is a perfect example. An exam question might be phrased as: "Some environmentalists argue that protecting endangered species should be our top priority, while others claim that tackling climate change is more urgent. Discuss both views and provide your own reasoned opinion." Your ability to structure this discussion logically and use precise language is key to a top grade.
To analyse this topic effectively, you must command the key terminology. Using these terms correctly and with specific examples demonstrates a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
| Concept | Definition | Example in Context |
|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity | The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem. This includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. | The Amazon rainforest has immense biodiversity, hosting millions of species of insects, plants, and animals, many of which are still undiscovered. |
| Ecosystem | A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. | A coral reef is an ecosystem where the coral provides shelter for fish, which in turn eat algae, while sharks prey on the fish, maintaining a balanced population. |
| Keystone Species | A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically. | Sea otters are a keystone species in kelp forests. They eat sea urchins, which would otherwise graze uncontrollably and destroy the kelp, which is a habitat for many other marine creatures. |
| Habitat Destruction | The process by which a natural habitat becomes incapable of supporting its native species. The organisms that previously inhabited the site are displaced or die. | The conversion of Indonesian rainforests into palm oil plantations is a primary example of habitat destruction, threatening species like the orangutan with extinction. |
| Systemic Issues | Fundamental problems that are embedded within a whole system, as opposed to specific, isolated incidents. | While an oil spill is a specific pollution event, the global economy's reliance on fossil fuels is a systemic issue driving climate change and ocean acidification. |
The following text is a complete model essay that demonstrates how to structure a discussion on this complex topic. Pay close attention to its clear introduction, balanced body paragraphs, and logical conclusion.
The Earth is currently facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, and scientists warn that human activities are driving the planet toward ecological collapse. While some people argue that the most urgent environmental problem is the loss of specific species of plants and animals, others believe that broader issues—such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion—are more critical. This essay will discuss both perspectives before concluding that while species extinction is deeply concerning, it is largely a symptom of larger environmental problems that must be addressed first in order to protect biodiversity effectively.
Those who believe that the extinction of species is the most pressing problem emphasize the irreplaceable value of biodiversity. Every species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance, and the disappearance of even one can disrupt entire ecosystems. For example, the loss of bees—a key pollinator—could severely reduce global food production. Similarly, the extinction of forest animals can affect seed dispersal, leading to deforestation. Advocates of this view argue that once a species is gone, it can never be recovered, and its loss weakens the planet’s resilience to environmental changes. Protecting endangered species, therefore, is not just about preserving beauty or variety, but about maintaining the natural systems that support all life on Earth.
There are also strong moral and scientific reasons for prioritizing the protection of species. Humans have a responsibility to care for other living beings, especially since most extinctions today are caused by human activity such as hunting, habitat destruction, and pollution. Ethically, allowing species to vanish for economic or political gain is seen as irresponsible stewardship of the planet. Scientifically, every plant and animal may hold potential benefits for medicine, agriculture, or technology. For example, many life-saving drugs, such as antibiotics and cancer treatments, have been developed from compounds found in plants and animals. Losing these species could mean losing unknown solutions to future global challenges.
However, others argue that while the extinction of species is tragic, it is not the root cause of our environmental crisis. Instead, problems such as global warming, pollution, and deforestation are the fundamental drivers of species loss. If these larger issues are not addressed, conservation efforts for individual species will be ineffective. For instance, saving polar bears requires tackling climate change, not just protecting the bears themselves. Similarly, efforts to conserve forests must involve controlling illegal logging and reducing agricultural expansion. Supporters of this perspective believe that focusing on systemic issues will naturally help preserve species in the long run.
Another reason some people prioritize broader environmental issues is their direct impact on human survival. Climate change leads to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and food insecurity—threats that affect billions of people. Air and water pollution cause millions of premature deaths each year. These problems have immediate and visible consequences, whereas the extinction of a rare species might seem distant or abstract. Consequently, governments often direct resources toward tackling climate change, renewable energy, and pollution control before focusing on wildlife preservation. The debate over whether to prioritize global or local problems is a constant feature of environmental policy.
Despite these differing views, it is important to understand that species loss and broader environmental problems are deeply interconnected. The destruction of habitats due to industrialization and agriculture, the warming of the planet, and the pollution of oceans all contribute directly to extinction. At the same time, losing key species weakens ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to these larger problems. For example, the destruction of coral reefs due to global warming leads to the disappearance of marine life that depends on them, which in turn disrupts fisheries and coastal protection. Therefore, protecting species and addressing global environmental issues must go hand in hand.
In conclusion, while the loss of particular species is one of the most visible and emotionally powerful signs of environmental decline, it is ultimately a consequence of larger human-caused problems such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction. To preserve biodiversity, we must first confront these root causes. Protecting the environment as a whole is the only sustainable way to save individual species and maintain the delicate balance of life on Earth. In my view, species extinction is indeed a grave concern—but solving the broader environmental crisis is the key to ensuring their survival and ours.
“Some people think environmental problems should be solved on a global scale, while others believe it is better to deal with them at a national level. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Many students struggle with balancing arguments in a discussion essay. By analysing the model text, we can identify common errors and learn how to avoid them. …