We are currently faced with the greatest rate of species extinction worldwide since the disappearance of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is the backbone of environmental protection for threatened and endangered animal and plant species as well as habitats and whole ecosystems. The ESA serves as the final safety net for plant and animal species threatened with extinction.

These are the major bills and policies surrounding endangered species today

Designated by President Eisenhower in 1960, and expanded by President Carter in 1980, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (the Refuge) stands as one of America’s last true wilderness areas. The refuge, located on Alaska’s northeast coast, is roughly 19 million square acres (approximately the size of South Carolina) and contains numerous fragile arctic ecosystems including the habitats of caribou, polar bears, wolves, arctic foxes, and snow birds.

Jewish tradition teaches us to care for our Earth -- to preserve that which God has created.

These are the URJ and CCAR resolutions concerning endangered species

Here are a few helpful endangered species resources