By Ashley
Thinking about the possible future of the Amazon is a mind boggling process. There are many different ways that the deforestation future can go and many avenues to explore. There are so many ways that this process can take off in the right direction. The improving technology can only increase the chances of the forest being restored. There are a number of new ideas being studied in order to fix the current problem that is growing in Brazil and other countries as well. Even if a particular area of the forest had to be taken up, the process known as rotation harvest ensures that that area will re-grow. (Deforestation)
There are so many ways of awareness that may take place. As I stated before in response to Alyssa’s post, things like education in schools and global presentation have and will help. Even “star power” can work for the good of deforestation elimination. This Thursday, stars like Lady Gaga and Elton John are coming together to raise funding and awareness for the rainforest. If economics are the true issue and reason for deforestation, as the Brazil government states, then projects like this shall reduce the amount of trees, plants, and animals that the rainforest inhabits.
The future truly rests on the hands of the Brazilian government. There is no excuse of why there should not be a significant decrease in the deforestation numbers. Once the government puts their ego aside and realizes that is a bigger problem than a political power struggle, then the rainforest might be ok. The tourism rate will also rise if deforestation stops. The lack of beauty in the Amazon is only depleting the amount of tourism that comes into that area. The Brazilian government needs to stop and really look at what their stinginess is doing to an adored national wonder. The only question that is left is if Brazil has the will power to make a difference and stop deforestation for the good of this world?
"Deforestation." The Global Change Program at the University of Michigan. Web. 28 Apr. 2010.
Brazil should have the willpower to push through this obstacle. They’ve done so much for the benefit of the environment already, what purpose would it serve to quit halfway? As a population, Brazil should rethink the ways in which they can project the consequences of urbanization and logging within the tropical rainforest. The detrimental effects need to be brought to attention and how their existence is disturbing the sustainability of wildlife (The Devastation). As a fresh start, it was announced that this year, Sting will be holding the twenty-first anniversary Rainforest Promotion Concert, whereby all funds will be directed towards protecting the tranquility of Brazil’s rainforest. Supporting this, Elton John and Lady Gaga will also be joining them. With the help of the media, this will hopefully turn into a global advertisement for what could and should be done (Prince); for in restoring the quality of life that was slowly being destroyed, Brazil will grow to flourish for the future.
ReplyDeletePrince, David J. "Elton John, Lady Gaga To Join Sting At Rainforest Fund Concert | Billboard.com." Music News, Reviews, Articles, Information, News Online & Free Music | Billboard.com. 23 Mar. 2010. Web. 11 May 2010. .
I think Brazil definitely has what it takes to put an end to deforestation. I feel as though the Brazilian government has realized that deforestation has become ridiculously out of hand. Additionally, the government’s rainforest protection policies will also play a large roll in decreasing the amount of future logging that occurs in the Brazilian Amazon. Globalization will also play a key role in combating deforestation and the negative effects that come along with it. Deforestation fundraisers and benefits, such as the one Alyssa mentioned in her comment can help to raise awareness for the cause. Hopefully, the predominantly Roman Catholic people of Brazilian will also see the error in their ways and become more inclined to lessen their abuse on the world which their God created. I don’t think putting an end to deforestation will be easy, and I don’t expect it to happen over night, but I believe that through hard work, Brazil will be able to escape the downward spiral of environmental destruction that has plagued their rainforests for decades.
ReplyDeleteThe future of deforestation as Ashley has said, lies in the hands of the Brazilian Government. If the world comes together and finally has a major solution for deforestation and the government does not approve it, then there is no hope for the future. I honestly believe that there will be no quick fix for deforestation because people in the area are chopping trees down faster than it takes for someone to breathe. The trees that are in the rainforest have been growing for such a long time, that it would take years for them to grow back. The government needs to take action, and they need to start now to save the rainforest.
ReplyDeleteOne possible outcome of the rainforest is nothing, and when I say that I mean that there will be nothing left. If the world does not get together with the Brazilian Government to help solve the issue at hand now, then we might as well say goodbye to the air we breathe. The rainforest converts the carbon dioxide into oxygen and with little trees comes less oxygen for the entire planet to share. The population of the earth must recognize this situation as a problem and try to come up with a solution to stop deforestation because if we do not, then we will further global warming.
The other possible outcome is actually saving the rainforest. I know for a fact that there are programs out there that plant trees for every dollar donated. We can help spread the word in the local communities by putting signs up or even having charity events for the programs benefitting the rainforest. Programs like these will help save the Amazon from extinction. The government of Brazil needs to act stronger in the fight against deforestation so that deforestation becomes a thought of the past.
Ashley, I completely concur with your belief in the capability of “rotation harvest” and mass eduction as a proactive advancement against deforestation, but rather I believe it is imperative not only of Brazil, but of the entire global community in successfully combating the forces of deforestation. As the majority of Brazil’s citizens can only survive through the economic benefits that they reap from the Amazon, it is necessary that the world strive to provide them with an alternative, as it appears that Brazil is unable to provide one on its own. A possibility could be to provide a greater incentive to working with the land, rather than against it, encouraging the cultivation of its medicine, fruits, and rubber, rather than only its timber, maintaing both the economic prosperity of Brazil, as well as the environmental prosperity of the entire global community. Together with Brazil’s plan for a “70% reduction of deforestation from the 1996-2005 baseline” and the world’s REDD plan (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation), the future of the world has a positive outlook. (Butler)
ReplyDeleteButler, Rhett A. "Brazil's Plan to save the Amazon Rainforest." Conservation and Environmental Science News. 2 June 2009. Web. 10 May 2010. .