Introduction
Many scientists consider humans as the most invasive species, as humans can greatly change an environment and impact living things that reside there. Hear about the effects that humans have on the biodiversity in our ecosystems and on our earth. Are we really being stewards of the earth? Whether humans have positive or negative effects on the biodiversity of our earth is an often debated and controversial topic. To settle it once and for all, I step into and explore the Amazon Rainforest to find out.
Biodiversity and the Amazon (Rainforest)
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| (Location) Green (on map): AMAZON RAINFOREST |
Biodiversity is the variety of living things on our planet, and the numbers that add up the equation of human existence and survival. The Amazon is a hot spot for biodiversity and the largest rainforest on earth, and while it takes up only less than 2% of the earth’s land, it is where half of earth’s species decide to make it their home/habitat. Biodiversity keeps all living things intact, as they are inter-connected, and inter-dependent. It is vital that we recognize that Biodiversity (and its role in the Amazon) are important and essential to biotic organisms on earth.
Negative Human Interaction with the Amazon Rainforest (Biodiversity)
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| Greenpeace REPORT |
The destruction of one of the most important structures/systems of our lives is occurring, and we are the reason for it. Deforestation has come up to a rate where currently every second, a slice of rainforest the size of a football field is mowed down. 1/5 of the world's fresh water is found in the Amazon Basin. Truth of the matter is we can keep naming facts, but why are we so focused on the negative? The media has enforced, influenced and taught us to think and sometimes act this way. (The picture to your right is a picture of Greenpeace's report on negative human interaction that affected the Amazon.)
Positive Human Interaction with the Amazon Rainforest (Biodiversity)
Greenpeace
Greenpeace is an organization made up of volunteers that try to protect the natural resources and work in the Amazon as well. After a ten year Greenpeace campaign, Europe banned the trade in illegal timber. In addition to that, Greenpeace was also able to pressurize McDonald’s and it finally stepped up and responded to Greenpeace’s call to stop deforestation. Their “Zero Deforestation Proposal” calls for deforestation to stop in the Amazon by 2015. “ Take a look at the following video by Greenpeace as it strives to continue to stop deforestation in the Amazon.
WWF
WWF (World Wildlife Fund) is another organization that for more than 40 years has been at the forefront in protecting the Amazon. The WWF-Brazil just recently signed a historic pact that will establish a system of economic incentives for conservation with a goal of eliminating deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon by 2015. WWF is working within the Amazon region to:
§ Ensure environmental and social standards are met for infrastructure development
§ Develop national programmes for reducing emissions from deforestation
§ Consolidate and expand protected areas
As a result of projects such as these, the WWF has the world’s largest tropical forest conservation programme. (The foundation's logo can be found on the right.)
Reports of Positives and Reasons To Continue to Protect Biodiversity
Mongabay.com: "Positive Signs"
Conclusion
Remember, you can start locally from joining the green club at school (Greenquest) and then volunteering around the world with Greenpeace, everyone can do their part.Take a look at this video for more info.
Let’s face it. We are so influenced by the media it’s ridiculous. What we focus on is what’s in the media. Let’s start thinking ourselves. Let’s start seeing what we do right and not wrong. Let’s do more, get out there and make a difference to continue human efforts to save the Amazon and Biodiversity! Remember, it's our life.
Let’s face it. We are so influenced by the media it’s ridiculous. What we focus on is what’s in the media. Let’s start thinking ourselves. Let’s start seeing what we do right and not wrong. Let’s do more, get out there and make a difference to continue human efforts to save the Amazon and Biodiversity! Remember, it's our life.
Thanks for reading my blog! Check back again for future bioblogs! Share, Follow, and Comment!
Sources (Info):
Greenpeace (Victory! How ten years of activism helped protect the world’s forests & Amazon Rainforest)
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/features/Victory-How-ten-years-of-activism-helped-protect-the-worlds-forests/
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/campaigns/forests/forests-worldwide/amazon-rainforest/
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/news/features/Victory-How-ten-years-of-activism-helped-protect-the-worlds-forests/
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/campaigns/forests/forests-worldwide/amazon-rainforest/
DaVersity Code (Key Fronts in the Race to Protect the Web of Life)
WWF (Update on the Amazon & What WWF is doing)
Ecoagents (What we do)
Mongabay (How to Save Tropical Rainforests & Positive Signs)
Edmonton Journal (From Tree Choppers to Tree Huggers)
Sources (Pictures and Videos):
Hello Terrance,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your blog. I never knew that the Amazon held half the worlds species. I think that it's good that you incorporated all these things into your blog because it gives me a better sense of what's going on. Deforestation is a problem that needs a solution and these organizations are doing a good job of trying to stop it.
Liam D'souza
Hello Terrance,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog to be very interesting. While reading it I learned a few new things. I did not know that 1/5 of the world's fresh water is found in the Amazon Basin.
I also agree with you 100% that deforestation is caused by human interactions in the amazons, but I am happy to know that there are organizations out there like Greenpeace that is full of volunteers that dedicate their time to work in the amazons and protect the natural resources.
Shanika Henry-Steer
Hello Terrence,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I especially found it interesting that 1 full size football field worth of rainforest gets mowed down every second, extremely shocking. Your post moved me to agree with the fact that humans are contributing to the diminishment of many of the world’s wild animal species through deforestation.
I did want to bring up some things. If we do not cut down trees we would not be able to build houses and buildings, produce paper, make furniture, etc. I know that we should be worried about the rate we do these things and we must be conscious about our usage of paper and lumber but we are not 100% at fault, we need these materials for survival and i think we are doing a good job so far in terms of being a "green people".
I hope deforestation decreases as projected,
Bolis Ibrahim.