The key takeaway from the paragraph is that Louisiana is experiencing significant wetland loss, which poses serious threats to its wildlife, economy, and disaster resilience.
Evidence to support this takeaway includes:
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Extent of Wetlands: Southern Louisiana contains approximately 40 percent of the total wetlands in the United States.
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Disproportionate Losses: Despite having 40 percent of the wetlands, Louisiana accounts for 80 percent of the country's wetland losses.
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Rate of Loss: Wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate, with a football field of wetland lost every 38 minutes.
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Impact on Wildlife and Economy: The paragraph highlights the implications of wetland loss for wildlife and the economy, indicating that these losses affect not only the environment but also the regional way of life and resilience against natural disasters.