Deforestation in the Amazon

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at the causes and effects of the problem of deforestation in the Brazilian part of the Amazon, the solutions attempted so far to control the deforestation, the extent of their success and the proposed solutions. The paper describes how the Amazonian rainforest constitutes the world's most diverse ecosystem and contains more than half of the world's estimated 10 million plant and animal species. The paper explains that it is being destroyed at an alarming rate mainly due to human activity such as commercial logging, mining and oil exploration. The paper concludes that a greater commitment is required from the international community if we are to save this priceless heritage for our future generations.

Outline:
The Problem
Attempted Solutions
Proposed Solutions
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"In Brazil alone, where the bulk of the Amazon rainforest lies, over 530,000 square kilometers of rainforest have been destroyed since 1978. Even more alarming is the fact that the rate of destruction shows no signs of abating as between August 2003 and 2004 alone, some 26,000 square kilometers of forest in Brazil- an area larger than Israel--was deforested. (Butler, "Deforestation in the Amazon,") Some estimates indicate that if the destruction of the Amazonian rainforests continues at the current rate, we will manage to completely consume the remaining rainforests in the next 50 years. (Butler-"Local and National Consequences") Needless to add, this would be a tragedy of catastrophic proportions."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Andersen, Lykke E., et al. The Dynamics of Deforestation and Economic Growth in the Brazilian Amazon. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press, 2002.
• Astor, Michael. "Groups Clash Over Soybean Boom in Brazil." Associated Press. 2002. March 18, 2006. <http://www.mongabay.com/external/soybeans2003.htm>
• Butler, Rhett. "Deforestation in the Amazon." Mongabay.com. 2005. March 18, 2006. <http://www.mongabay.com/brazil.html.>
• "Logging." Mongabay.com. 2005. March 18, 2006. <http://rainforests.mongabay.com/0807.htm>
• "Local and National Consequences." Mongabay.com. 2005. March 18, 2006. <http://rainforests.mongabay.com/0902.htm>

More papers on Deforestation in the Amazon:

• Research Paper # 122195 : "The Amazon Rain Forest"
• Term Paper # 1657 : "Alternatives to Deforestation"
• Term Paper # 96058 : "Satellites and Deforestation"

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