Deforestation D. Crowley, 2008

Deforestation  To give reasons for deforestation, and explain why this is damaging to the environment Saturday, May 02, 2015

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