Chapter 10

In Chapter 10, A Menu of New Goals, Marris talks about her list of goals for our world. A list that is combined with all the realistic circumstances that are packaged together for our present to nature. In  goal one “Protect the Rights of Other Species”, she discusses land ethic, the recognition of the inherent value of an ecosystem extending to soil, water, plants, and animals. We should love and respect the land that we live on. Deep ecology builds on this notion by describing how deep of a love people have for this earth. We have moral obligations to the planet and we should adjust our lifestyles to save it. Just because we are humans does not mean we own everything. Her second goal is titled “Protect Charismatic Megafauna.” In it, she states the power of charismatic megafauna or large animals that humans like and do not want to go extinct, such as whales, tigers, pandas, or, as she puts it, animals with large eyes. Many of these species are also keystone species. These species have an impact on how an ecosystem looks, works, and whether it can create an umbrella conservation for surrounding species. However, problems erupt when deciding between whether to save these animals or the environment that they live in. Goal number three is called “Slow the Rate of Extinctions.” Marris goes into species classification where some scientists believe that every species, form fly to jaguar should be equally treated. Possingham, a mathmatical ecologist, shares some realistic views. If saving a land area requires an investment no one is willing to make, the land should not be saved at all. Saving species does not mean that you are saving their environment. Her fourth goal is to “Protect Genetic Diversity.” Here, she discusses the possibilities that some species are not in fact species. Marris believes that despite the importance of very diverse genetic makeups, it turns out pointless if the body holding the genes is disregarded. In her fifth goal, “Define and Defend Biodiversity”, Marris redirects the unmotivated reader from genes to biodiversity, or simply complexity. She reveals that it may be the most problematic conservation goal. Despite it being the main factor most people value from nature, it tries to hard to cover too much. Goal six, “Maximize Ecosystem Services” starts off by stating how much we do not realize the help that the planet’s resources provide. We only have a finite amount left and conservationists are trying to get the government’s attention. Species have an existence value and that is why lands such as Alaska are so highly favored by the masses. It seems more like a way to get people to be interested in saving nature as apposed to their true natural value. In her seventh goal, “Protect the Spiritual and Aesthetic Experience of Nature”, the existence of nature also creates close ties to us humans through family and culture. It is our duty to promote the lands where these natural spiritual bonds live. Marris’s solution is the rambunctious garden. Finally, Marris goes into her subchapter, “Juggling Goals.” She tells us that there is no best goal. But it is our duty, despite the cost or effort, to do our best to preserve nature in creating a rambunctious garden.