Deforestation D. Crowley, 2008

Deforestation  To give reasons for deforestation, and explain why this is damaging to the environment

NEWS bite deforestation of Brazilian Rainforest  News Bite (5th December 2008): As the deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon increases for the first time in four years, the Brazilian government and global community discuss how to tackle the problem at the UN Climate Change conference.  What are the 2 main reasons the rainforest is destroyed? What are the 2 main reasons the rainforest is destroyed?

Trees  Trees are a valuable resources for both animals and humans  Humans use them for a variety of purposes, including: - Fuel (being burnt) Building material Space (removing forests give valuable space for farming)

Sustainable?  Forestry is sustainable, as long as all of the trees that have been cut down are replaced (new trees planted)  However, if this is not done, this leads to deforestation (where the amount of forest continually shrinks)

Deforestation  There are many reasons for rainforest destruction, including: - Fuel Farming (McDonalds and Burger King buy up a great amount of land within South America for cattle) Homes

Deforestation  Deforestation can lead to some devastating consequences: - Destruction of habitats (decreasing biodiversity) Extinction of rare plants (with may contain medicinal properties) Flooding due to increased soil erosion Atmospheric changes (rises in carbon dioxide)

Rate Of Loss  The map shows deforestation rates over the last 10’000 years  In recent times there has been a huge increase in rainforest destruction - around million hectares are cut each year (an area the size of a football pitch every 2 seconds)!  The rainforest contains ~50% of all species on Earth and produces ~40% of the worlds atmospheric oxygen

Task  Using the resources available in groups of 3 or 4 choose one of the 2 sides – either for rainforest destruction or against it  Produce a report (via presentation) that lists all the factors you think are important, e.g. “we should preserve the rainforest because…” or “we should allow some deforestation because…”  You will need to present your findings, and the reasons you have picked your side as well as question the direct impact you have on the rainforest

Arguments

A – logging company in favour of rainforest destruction B – native to forest who will loose everything if forest is destroyed C – doctor who wants rainforest preservation as it may contain medicinal plants D – economists of developing nation who need to utilise this resource E – local farmer who needs to clear land to survive F – environmentalist who believes there is a sustainable method, but education is vital G – logger who believes the forest can be managed sustainable H – local who realises forest is vital for rainfall and keeping the soil together I – geologist who wants to get as many resources as possible short term J – environmentalist who knows the importance of trees in regulating the atmosphere for the entire world