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Supply and Demand

© Robin Greenhalgh

People are spurred on by one issue or another which offends, pleases, angers or arouses. People are also blessed with the ability to speak their mind and to some extent, exert control over their lives. Sadly, not all living organisms are provided the same options, and in some cases are not given any consideration at all.

Unfortunately, along with all these capabilities comes a superiority complex. Just because we are at the top of the food chain doesn't mean we are infallible. "Chain" is the imperative word here, as there are many links responsible for it's union. Each link is necessary in the overall scheme to "hold" things together sort to speak. If we disregard the strength of just a few links, we could compromise the stability of the whole formation.

Activism for environment and conservation has almost become an obsession. Mainly due to the inexcusable snails's pace that progress advances. Many times the activist is confronted with a wall for which to beat their head upon. Okay, maybe this sounds mellow dramatic, but changing lifestyles and manners of thinking is no easy feat.

A news brief from ENN is the cause of my insights of the day with the mention of the name "Keng Liang 'Anson' Wong". This name may not mean much to many people, although I am about to do my part and "snitch"! Mr. Wong has plead guilty to forty felony counts revolving around his prosperous career in illegal animal trade.

Even more elusive then this shady character himself, were the animals he traded. Many of these animals were so-called protected under various acts, and some already under risk of extinction. The demand on the black market for endangered species is inexcusable, and provides opportunity for these types of activity. Without a demand, there would be no need for a supply on the black market.

Rare species of turtles, tortoises, Komodo dragons and extremely scare alligators were available for purchase to the highest bidder. As long as someone will pay, there will always be someone to supply! Quoted from the news brief, "Craig Hoover, senior program officer for TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade-monitoring program of WWF said,'This is an important moment for conservation. This case will send a very strong signal about illegal trade in endangered wildlife'".

Boasting success is a little premature at this point in time. We need to find the vulnerable soft-spot of the people who endeavor to own these types of commodities. People as these should be taught that possession of such an item is not proof of stature. Instead they must understand that removal of just one member of an endangered species may result in severe devastation. Severe enough that recovery may never again be an option.

The copyright of the article Supply and Demand in Environmental Ethics is owned by Robin Greenhalgh. Permission to republish Supply and Demand in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.