Reference no: EM133238612

In 1941, Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power moved the terminus of the Los Angeles Aqueduct system north, into the Mono Lake Basin. This change diverted a large amount of water out of tributary rivers that would have otherwise ended up in Mono Lake. The Los Angeles Aqueduct system provides the city with drinking water, and provides many nearby farms with water for their crops as well. Between 1941 and 1982, the lake lost 30% of it's surface area, and it's water level was lowered by a massive 45 feet. Mono Lake has a uniquely saline environment, which is home to many invertebrates that feed many of California's native birds, as well as other migratory birds. The shrinking of the lake has caused the salinity to rise, jeopardizing the long-term health of it's ecosystem from yet another vector. In 1994, the State Water Board drafted a document called Decision 1631. They had expected the changes mandated by that document to bring the lake back to a "manageable level" by 2014. Though they have not met that goal yet, they have been able to raise the water level by more than 50% of what was lost, and they have subsequently recovered more than 65% of the surface area that had been lost.

In what case if any, can we justify jeopardizing some other species' chances of survival to meet the needs of humans? For wherever you may end up on that spectrum, please elaborate on why you are where you are rather than leaning more towards one of the poles.