[19950516]95-596_生物多样性条约：情况说明书.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 95-596 ENRMay 16, 1995Biological Diversity Treaty: Fact Sheet-name redacted-Senior Analyst in International Environmental PolicyEnvironment and Natural Resources Policy DivisionAs human activity continues to change and modify natural areas, widespreadextinctions of plants, animals, and other types of species result. Many scientists believethat such extinctions are currently occurring at the fastest rate in human history.Consequences for human welfare include loss of species needed for revitalization of foodcrops, future medicines, new crops, and loss of ecosystems that regulate rainfall cycles,control flooding, filter out water pollutants, and affect basic systems such as climate.In 1992, negotiations conducted under the auspices of the United NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP) were completed on a comprehensive global treaty toprotect biological diversity (also frequently called biodiversity). The treaty was rushed tocompletion so that it could be brought to the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro forsignature. The treaty was regarded by some environmentalists as too