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Sept. 12, 2023, 3:42 p.m.

New report sheds light on environmental, financial costs of invasive species

SUMMARY

Invasive species harm ecosystems around the world and cost the global economy $423 billion a year, according to a new report backed by the UN. A number of researchers believe that estimate may be just the tip of the iceberg.

For a transcript of this story, click here.

News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM UP QUESTIONS

  1. Where are fisheries being damaged?
  2. Which species fall under the category of invasive species?
  3. Why do the zebra mussels damage infrastructure?
  4. Who is Laura Meyerson?
  5. What is the price tag to the global economy of invasive species?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What are some of the economic and ecological costs associated with invasive species?

News analysis: How can you find more background information on this subject?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

FOR MORE

What students can do: Research as a class — what are some invasive species in your community (plant or animal). Once you've completed the research, discuss ways to help combat the invasive species or check out the lesson below.

Additional Lesson plan: Invent your own device to battle invasive species

Click this link to check out the lesson plan!

To go with Reuters Life! LIONFISH-CARIBBEAN/INVASION
A lionfish is seen on the reefs off Roatan, Honduras in this picture taken May 5, 2010. Native to Indo-Pacific waters, lionfish have invaded the Caribbean because of the aquarium trade and are gobbling up native species but have no predators in the region, so their population is exploding. Picture taken May 5, 2010. To go with Reuters Life! LIONFISH-CARIBBEAN/INVASION REUTERS/Christa Cameron (HONDURAS - Tags: ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT)

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Illustrations by Annamaria Ward