Destruction of Rainforests

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer maintains that the destruction of the tropical rainforests is one of the biggest global environmental problems that one faces today. Although the rainforests are 'local' and confined to certain areas of the world, their destruction is, nevertheless, a global problem, and this is so for several reasons. The writer explains that first, the rainforests are the lungs of the planet. They absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. Rainforests are also sinks, storage reservoirs of natural substances, in particular of carbon. Finally, the writer notes that rainforests are the only habitats of literally thousands and thousands of plant and animal species. The writer discusses that mist developing countries are attempting to improve and develop their economies and deal with population growth and the rainforests represent valuable natural resources and opportunities for export and foreign revenues. The writer concludes that deforestation can be fought by taking into consideration a broad range of issues and applying a broad range of policies and the sustainable management of forestry as well as agriculture. Further more conservation targets must be set, not just for the rainforests but also for the protection of the species diversity they contain.

From the Paper:

"Industrial development is also the reason for deforestation in the Amazon, as the region contains mineral deposits of gold, diamonds and other minerals as well a huge supply of fresh water that could potentially supply much hydroelectric energy. Mining is an environmentally devastating economy in itself and requires additional clearing for road or rail development in order to transport the mined minerals. A cattle ranching is also a source of deforestation exclusive to Latin America, although according to Myers it has been on the decrease. One of the ways to deal with deforestation in the Amazon is to focus on more sustainable means of agriculture and less destructive logging methods as well as reforestation. Extractive reserve is an example given by Chasmer and Perry-Globa, (1998) for a way for more sustainable economic development of the Amazon. Rubber tappers collect small amounts of latex from rubber trees each day, which they sell. The trees are not destroyed. These activities can be extended to other forest products in the Amazon: nuts, fruits and vegetables. However, the biggest problem with preserving the rainforest I countries such as Brazil is the fact that these countries must balance conservation with the need for economic development and foreign capital."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kummar, D. & Turner, B.L. (1991) "The human causes of deforestation in Southeast Asia". Bioscience 44(5): 323-329
• Chesmer, R. & Perry-Globa, P. (1998) Facing the Future: Global Issues in the 21st century. Toronto: Oxford University Press
• Skole, D.L., Chomentowski, W.H., Salas, W. A. & Nobre, A. D. "Physical and human dimensions of deforestation in Amazonia". Bioscience 44(5): 314-322
• Allen, J.C. & Barnes, D.F. "The causes of deforestation in developing countries" Annuals of the Association of American Geographers. 75(2): 163-184
• Myers, N. (1991) "Tropical forests: present status and future outlooks". Climate Change. 19: 3-32

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