Question

forests and deforestation
current event
student name: brandon bell
current event:
use the current event videos from the assessment page in the lesson to answer the questions in complete sentences using your own words.
watch \video one: fires tied to palm oil industry ravage indonesia forests\

1. describe the cause of the wildfires in indonesia.
2. describe the effects of wildfires on the environment in indonesia.
3. describe the effects of these wildfires on human health.

watch \video two: widespread logging threatens the congo basins critical rainforest\

1. explain the deforestation problem being experienced in the democratic republic of congo (drc).
2. explain the difference in the environmental impact of the artisanal loggers compared to the large - scale industrial loggers in the drc.
3. in your opinion, what can the drc do to prevent illegal logging? explain.

making connections:
use the lesson content to answer these questions in complete sentences using your own words.

1. select two ecosystem services forests provide and explain what makes each an ecosystem service.
2. identify a sustainable tree harvesting method that could replace the slash - and - burn method

a. explain why the method you chose is better for the environment

1. describe one carbon - sequestering method from the lesson that can reduce the impacts of deforestation.
2. explain how forest management works to preserve and protect forests.

Explanation:

1. For the Indonesia wild - fires:

• The cause is likely related to the palm oil industry, which may use fire for land - clearing or other operations.
• The environmental effects include destruction of forest habitats, loss of biodiversity, and air pollution from smoke.
• On human health, the smoke can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and may exacerbate pre - existing conditions like asthma.

1. For the DRC deforestation:

• The problem is widespread logging, which threatens the critical rainforest ecosystem.
• Artisanal loggers may have a more limited and perhaps more selective impact, while large - scale industrial loggers can clear vast areas quickly, causing more significant habitat loss and disruption.
• To prevent illegal logging, the DRC could increase law enforcement, set up protected areas, and promote sustainable forestry practices.

1. For ecosystem services:

• One service is carbon sequestration, where forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. Another is water regulation, as forests can slow down water runoff, filter water, and maintain water quality.
• A sustainable tree - harvesting method could be selective logging, which only removes some trees, leaving the rest of the forest ecosystem intact. It is better for the environment as it doesn't cause large - scale habitat destruction like slash - and - burn.
• A carbon - sequestering method could be reforestation, where new trees are planted to absorb carbon dioxide.
• Forest management involves activities like setting limits on logging, monitoring forest health, and promoting biodiversity to preserve and protect forests.

Answer:

1. The cause of the wildfires in Indonesia is likely activities related to the palm oil industry such as land - clearing by fire.
2. The effects of wildfires on the environment in Indonesia include habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and air pollution.
3. The effects of these wildfires on human health include respiratory problems due to smoke inhalation.
4. The deforestation problem in the DRC is widespread logging threatening the rainforest.
5. Artisanal loggers may have a more limited and selective environmental impact compared to large - scale industrial loggers who can clear large areas rapidly.
6. The DRC could increase law enforcement, establish protected areas, and promote sustainable forestry to prevent illegal logging.
7. Two ecosystem services forests provide are carbon sequestration (absorbing carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change) and water regulation (slowing runoff, filtering water).
8. Selective logging is a sustainable tree - harvesting method that could replace slash - and - burn. It is better for the environment as it doesn't cause large - scale habitat destruction.
9. Reforestation is a carbon - sequestering method that can reduce the impacts of deforestation.
10. Forest management works by setting logging limits, monitoring forest health, and promoting biodiversity to preserve and protect forests.