© Bruce McNitt/Panoramic Images (Virginia)
Threats and Issues in Virginia
© Jack Looney Threats and Issues Featured Image
Direct loss and fragmentation of habitat, largely due to conversion of open space for residential and commercial development, is the greatest threat to Virginia’s biodiversity. Add to this stiff competition from exotic species, diminished air quality from the combustion of fossil fuels, non-point source pollution of the waterways, climate change and associated sea-level rise -- and the picture can look pretty gloomy. Learn how citizens, agencies, and organizations in the Old Dominion are facing down these threats.
Primary Threats to Conservation in Virginia
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© GEORGE F. MOBLEY (Habitat Loss Featured Image)
Habitat Loss in Virginia
Direct loss and fragmentation of habitat, largely due to conversion of open space for residential and commercial development, is the greatest threat to conservation in the Commonwealth.
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© Jack Looney (Development Pressures Featured Image)
Development Pressures in Virginia
Direct loss and fragmentation of habitat, largely due to conversion of open space for residential and commercial development, is the greatest threat to conservation in the Commonwealth.
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© Rob Sheppard (Invasive Species Featured Image)
Invasive Species in Virginia
New species have been arriving in Virginia from foreign lands since the settlement of Jamestown and continue to arrive with the ongoing rise in global commerce -- but not always for the better. The second greatest threat to Virginia's lands and waters comes from invasive exotic species.
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© Jack Looney (Pollution in Virginia Image)
Nonpoint Source Pollution in Virginia
One particularly troublesome threat to Virginia's lands and waters comes from the nonpoint source pollution of surface waterways and groundwater -- that is, the diffuse but pervasive degradation that doesn't come from the end of a pipe.
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© Rob Sheppard (Climate Change Featured Image)
Climate Change in Virginia
Recognizing that "climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing us with regard to our use of energy," Gov. Tim Kaine convened the Virginia Climate Change Commission to help fulfill one recommendation of the Virginia Energy Plan: to return Virginia greenhouse gas emissions to year-2000 levels, a 30% reduction from current, by 2025.
Other Threats and Topics of Concern in Virginia
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