Abstract This paper considers the theme of globalization and its affect on local culture within Yamashita's novel "Through the Arc of the Rainforest." The paper includes the plot of the story and studies exploitation and ecological destruction.
From the Paper "Despite the whimsical, almost magical mood of the narrative, Karen Tei Yamashita's "Through the Arc of the Rainforest" is a novel deeply concerned with environmental issues. Indeed while Yamashita's text belongs to the school of magical realism following the lead of Latin American writer Gabriel Garc. "Through the Arc..." offers much in the way of social commentary regarding the environment both on a local and global level."
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper explains that tropical rainforests are dense, wet forests, found in high rainfall regions close to the equator; however, most of the rainforests have been destroyed in the last 50 years. The author points out that one of the main reasons for destruction of the rainforests is logging; corporations have convinced many rainforest countries that it would improve their economies to allow companies to use these lands, and now these countries' economies have become dependent on it. The paper concludes that the sustainable development of the rainforests will probably not be achieved until issues like poverty and consumer demands are resolved.
From the Paper "The rainforest provides many benefits to humans, animals, the world, and our environment. However, there are many dangers to the rainforest. One danger is that people and corporations are destroying trees in the rainforest. They are also killing animals that are in the food chain and destroying their habitats. The rainforest is home to over fifty percent of all plants and animals on earth. The rainforest breathes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. Some rainforests are an untouched frontier, with many new animals and even new tribes of people."
Tags: equator, logging, sustainable, poverty, species
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that tropical rainforests are arguably the most precious natural resource on the earth and constitute the world's most diverse biological eco-system. The writer points out that unfortunately, rainforests are being destroyed at an alarming and unsustainable rate and may even disappear completely within a few decades if the present rate of their depletion continues. In this paper the writer discusses the causes of rainforest depletion and the potential catastrophic effects of their rapid destruction.
Outline:
Causes of Rainforest Depletion
Direct Causes
Underlying/ Indirect Causes
Potential Effects of Rainforest Depletion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Commercial Agriculture is different from slash-and-burn farming and refers to large-scale farming of cash crops such as sugar, palm oil, natural rubber, coffee, cacao, and tropical fruits by business corporations. Such large-scale farming contributes to deforestation in a number of ways. The very meaning of 'cash crops' means that the commercial agriculture in only interested in maximizing his profits by using modern machinery, fertilizers and pesticides and is not bothered about the environment. A specific example of commercial agriculture is the palm-oil plantations in the South East Asian countries that have replaced vast tracts of tropical rainforests, especially Indonesia in the recent past. Widespread use of agrochemicals by commercial agriculture companies results in contamination of crops, soils, and ground water and the occupation of choicest land by influential corporations force the subsistence farmers further out into the forests leading to indirect deforestation."
Abstract This paper spells out the extreme importance of making every effort to save the world's rainforests. Many people do not realize the importance of plants and trees to the human and animal populations. Oxygen, our most important resource, comes from the rainforests. Also, the rainforests have provided many cures for diseases and are home to many exotic and beautiful animals. The paper argues that the depletion of the rainforests will eventually result in the demise of the world.
From the Paper "Global warming is causing a greenhouse effect on the earth. Since the 1930s the average temperature has risen at least ten degrees and even more in some places (Hartmann 53). Cutting down trees in the rainforest is making carbon dioxide in the atmosphere more abundant, because trees take in carbon dioxide. In The Last Hours of Sunlight: Waking Up to Personal and Global Transformation, Thom Hartmann address the problems of the greenhouse effect. "It is exactly what it says; the world is becoming a greenhouse. We are holding in carbon dioxide because there are fewer trees to absorb what humans produce" (9). "The way that humans are jumping on the opportunity the cut down tress it is like humans are trying to commit suicide by asphyxiation" (Bjorn 82). Oxygen is our most important resource and humans are not thinking of the consequences of their actions."
Abstract This paper explores the immense rainforest found in Peru, part of the larger South American rainforests. The paper begins with a description of the vast amounts of flora and fauna which can be found within the rainforest. The paper then explores how the deforestation which is conducted in the area has led to the destruction of not only this unique and special flora and fauna, but also to the indigenous people who inhabit the land. The paper concludes with a research proposal whose aim is to help stop the destruction of these forests.
Contents:
Introduction
Political Ecological Approach
Historical Background
The Multiple Factors Contributing to the Problem
Analysis of the Causes of Deforestation.
Proposals for Research
References
From the Paper "Currently the majority of the Peruvian Amazon is endangered by the threat of deforestation and other activities of man. In the early 20th century the rubber boom set off a continuing cycle of Peruvian politicians and international players bent on extracting natural resources from the Amazon with out much regard to the harm these activities would cause. Causes of deforestation in Peru do include logging, as well as oil drilling, spraying of chemicals and the clearing of vegetation to eliminate coca plants. Colonization by rural Peruvians leading to untouched prime Peruvian Amazonian forest being turned into farms and pastures are also major causes of the destruction of the Peruvian Amazonian forest. With the increase human population also comes increased pressure on the animal population due to over-hunting."
Abstract This paper provides a review and discussion to determine the biogeography of the rainforest ecosystem, some of the tools needed to study the environment, an examination of the flora and fauna to be found there, and how the food web works. An analysis of the impact of humans on the rainforest ecosystem is followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "In fact, not all rainforests are by definition jungles. Generally speaking, an ecosystem is any community together with its nonliving surroundings (Audesirk 3). The principles underlying the study of ecosystems are based on the concept that all of the elements of a life-supporting environment of any size, whether natural or man-made, are parts of an interrelated network in which each element interacts directly or indirectly with all others and serves to affect the function of the whole as well. All of the ecosystems on Earth are contained within the largest of them, the ecosphere, which encompasses the entire physical Earth (geosphere) and all of its biological components (biosphere) (Ecosystems 5). According to Teresa and Gerald Audesirk, large areas of South America and Africa lie along the equator. "Here the temperature averages between 77 degrees and 86 degrees F with little variation, and rainfall ranges from 100 to 160 inches each year" (921). Rainforests usually occur in regions where there is a high annual rainfall of generally more than 70 inches and a hot and steamy climate. The trees found in these regions are evergreen."
Abstract This paper examines that the Amazon rainforest is an embattled resource being depleted at an alarming rate on a daily basis, which has a global effect. The author points out that the deforestation of the Amazonian rainforest effects the atmosphere by increasing carbon dioxide, which leads to global warming. The paper discusses several perspectives in relation to global warming and the reasons behind the cause behind global warming.
From the Paper "The Amazon rainforest is an embattled resource being depleted at an alarming rate on a daily basis. The effect of such a loss is not merely local or regional, nor is it limited to Brazil or even the South American continent. The effect is global. Every day, species of animals, insects, and plants disappear from the ecosystem, some of which have yet to be discovered, let alone studied. Even more alarming is the amount of carbon dioxide that is no longer processed from the atmosphere due to the depletion of this resource. If the destruction of the rainforest continues at the present rate, it completely will disappear, a loss that will be devastating for the global environment. The environment is inextricably linked to the world's population."
Abstract The paper looks at the main causes of rainforest deforestation, which are logging, agriculture and cattle grazing. The paper reveals that Japan has the highest amount of rainforest product consumption in the world and discusses the country's proposed road that is contributing to further deforestation. The paper then discusses the loss of tribal plant knowledge but focuses on the Yanomami tribe who are helpless as the government, Brazilian soldiers, poachers, cattle ranchers and other invaders continue to destroy their homeland, culture and health. The paper concludes that because we care for our own well-being and survival, we must care for the survival of the forests which is essential for present and future generations.
From the Paper "Rainforests are the richest, oldest, most productive and complex land ecosystems on our planet. These humid and dense forests are home to over half the wild animal and plant species in existence. Rainforests are filled with all kinds of biological treasures that include hundreds of thousands of plant, animal, and insect species, most which have not yet been discovered. Biologist Norman Myers notes, "Rainforests are the finest celebration of nature ever known on the planet." They help to control the balance of atmospheric gases and have an immense impact on the world's climates. Earth's rainforests are commonly referred to as the "lungs of our planet." The turnover of oxygen that the hundreds of thousands of plant species in the rainforests produce is one of our primary defenses against global warming and the greenhouse effect. Rainforests regulate the flow of water to rivers and lakes, and release water into the atmosphere to form rain clouds. It is no exaggeration to say that future life on this planet may depend on their survival."
From the Paper "Rainforests are some of the most valuable resources we have, yet they are being destroyed in massive proportions. Many medicines, foods, natural insecticides and oil producing trees are found in the rainforest. The rainforest also holds endless possibilities for useful, undiscovered resources such as cures for disease and new food crops. The rainforest is also a big producer of the world?s? oxygen supply. When we destroy the rainforest, we are destroying our own oxygen supply. Many organizations have been battling to save the rainforests. If the destruction is to stop, a greater effort must be made to understand the causes behind the destruction of the rainforests. "
Abstract This paper will discuss the book The Road Through the Rainforest, Living Anthropology in Highland Papua New Guinea by David Hayano. By revealing the nature of his fieldwork in the island of Papa New Guinea, we can understand how he went about discovering the relationships that a road made between 'civilization' and the tribal networks that were created to make this connection through the jungle. His work will discuss the nature of his exploration and the relationship between tribes and people that lived outside of the jungle.
Abstract This paper provides an overview of Raytheon, an analysis of the strategic management views of Gary Hamel and C. K. Prahalad compared to Michael Porter's views as discussed in Graham Beaver's 1998 case study, "Raytheon: Defender of the Rainforest," a discussion of how Raytheon can achieve a competitive advantage in the environmental protection industry in light of its defense-related focus in the past, followed by an evaluation of the future role of strategic innovation at Raytheon. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Strategic management has received much attention over the past few decades, due in large part to books by Michael Porter and Stephen Robbins that provide a number of frameworks for leaders to use to help guide their organizations through these changing times. In the case of Raytheon, this strategic management has been focused on responding to opportunities and in some cases, creating opportunities, by concentrating on their core competencies. In the case of Raytheon, however, it would seem that these core competencies are not so much the strategic planning involved, but rather the ability to jump on a chance when it comes along and through positioning itself according to the demands of the markets it serves."
Abstract The paper explains that lack of awareness of threats to the environment and man's greed for wealth and short-term gains have caused the four billion year old bio-geophysical system to be destroyed. The author points out that experts are of the view that the economic value of the rainforest will increase by leaving the rainforests as they are and reaping its nuts, fruits, oil producing plants and medicinal plants rather than simply cutting them down to generate grazing land for cattle or for timber. The paper relates that, if the exploitation at the present rate goes on unhindered, the coastal regions will be annihilated and the ecosystems and the communities of plants and animals they house will be extensive depleted.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Pollution of our Waterways
Loss of Rainforests Decimation of Forests
Wetlands disappearing
Ignoring Global Warming
Acid Rain
Fish Die
Animal Species are Threatened
Mercury Levels in Water
Unhealthy to Drink or Swim in Large Portions of our Coastline
Call to Action on Matters of the Environment
Conclusion
From the Paper "Presently, the effluents find their ways to the Great Lakes in several ways. However, the main three vents of effluents are seen at the point source, non-point source and atmospheric pollution. The point source pollution occurs when the effluents come to the waterway by means of a particular entry point like a drainpipe draining directly into a river; it is known as point source pollution. The Industrial water wastes and sewage treatment mechanisms are considered to be the significant offenders of such type of contamination. Contrary to the point source pollution, non-point source or NPS pollution stems from many different dispersed sources and is quite difficult to standardize and manage; hence many experts consider that NPS pollution is the most hazardous confronting the Great Lakes today."
Abstract For several decades, many Americans have been aware that the rainforests of Central and South America are shrinking as well as the fact that the lost of significant amounts of rainforest could well have a negative effect on the entire world as well as the immediate areas in and near the former forests. This paper examines how the environmental issue of rainforest loss, with its accompanying soil erosion, contamination of the water table and loss of biodiversity, is caused by many factors that interplay with each other.
Outline
Introduction
Deforestation
Cultural Contributions
Conclusion
From the Paper "Consideration of humankind's impact on the rainforests should begin with the people who have the longest histories there. The indigenous peoples of these rainforest lived for millennia without doing unrecoverable ecological damage (Barnham & Coomes, 1997), even though "slash and burn" farming was a traditional way of life. In "slash and burn" agriculture, the people simply cut down the wooded area and/or burn the vegetation off so they can use the land for their own agricultural purposes (Morrison, 2001). When these groups of people farmed in this manner, however, they moved on to new areas when the land became depleted. Gradually, the rainforest reclaimed the disused farmland, reducing the impact of this farming approach (Morrison, 2001). "
