Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest

By: Cristina Helmes

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What is Deforestation?

Deforestation is the process of cutting down, damaging and burning a rainforest.

Background

The Amazon rainforest is a tropical rainforest located in BrazilIt is the largest rainforest in the world-1.4 billion acresHome to many animals and plantsDeforestation is an issue occurring in the Amazon rainforest right now

More Background

Between May 2000 and August 2006, Brazil lost nearly 150,000 square kilometers of forestSince 1970, over 600,000 square kilometers of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed

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Economic Causes

Cattle ranchingLoggingCurrency DevaluationAgricultureFiresMining

Economic EffectsRainforest is cleared out in order to raise cattle to produce beefTrees are being cut down to sell as timberNew roads are built in place of the rainforestThe rainforest is losing its ability to stay green due to firesMany different species of animals are losing their habitats- can lead to extinctionPlants are being killed

More Economic Effects

Farmers are expanding their pasture areas by clearing out parts of the rainforestSoy bean farms are created

Social Causes

DamsWildfiresPoor migrants

Ex: the Balbina dam

Social Effects

The flooding of dams destroys the rainforestWildfires destroy the rainforestMigrants clear the land in order to claim land for themselves

Political Causes

Some government agencies continue to plan and build roadsSome government incentive programs promote agriculture

Political Effects

Deforestation increases because the government is not fully caring about the harms it causes

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Solution #1Law Enforcement: The government could make a law stating that a person is not allowed to cut down trees around the rainforest area, and if that person does, they will receive a fine.

Positives: This would help preserve the environment

Negatives: This would hurt the economy

Solution #2

Government mandated school programs in the region to create further awareness.

Positives: This will raise awareness to more people, and help prevent further destruction of the rainforest in the future.

Negatives: This may not decrease the problem of deforestation directly.

Which Solution is More Effective?

Solution #1 because something can directly be done in order to decrease deforestation.

Personal Involvement

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0N8no-ql70&feature=related