Rainforest

Brazil Rainforest

Why is it important?

Rainforest

a luxuriant, dense forest rich in biodiversity, found typically in tropical areas with consistently heavy rainfall.

biodiversity

the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

deforestation

the action of clearing a wide area of trees

lumber

 is a type of wood that has been processed into beams and planks, a stage in the process of wood production. Lumber is mainly used for structural purposes but has many other uses as well. 

Destruction of Brazil’s Rainforest

The rainforest of Brazil is very important to plants, animals, and humans. A rainforest is a dense forest that is found in tropical areas with a high level of biodiversity. This means that the rainforest is home to a large variety of plant and animal species. Not only is the rainforest a home for lots of plants and animals, but it also helps the environment. The rainforest is vital to help clean the air. It absorbs carbon dioxide and releases clean, breathable oxygen. The rainforests around the world provide one of the largest ways to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. They play an important role for humans around the world. Many species of animals and plants also live in the rainforest. These species are in danger, as the forest is being cleared. Deforestation is the process of clearing a forest for human reasons. 

Multiple Select

The rainforest is important because... (Check all that apply.)

• home for plants and animals

• a place where many humans live

• provide ways to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen

Destruction of Brazil’s Rainforest

The rainforest is being destroyed by humans for many different reasons. The forest is most commonly cleared by using fire. The fire process emits tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide that have a worldwide impact on air quality. These fires are used to clear land in order to make space for farming and housing. The fires often burn out of control and can impact more of the rainforest than intended or necessary. The forest is also being cleared for lumber. Lumber is wood that is cut and sold. This lumber is cheap and is used in the construction of buildings worldwide. 

Open Ended

What are 2-3 ways humans are destroying the rainforest?

Destruction of Brazil’s Rainforest

There are several other reasons that the rainforest in Brazil is jeopardy. Hydroelectric dams, mining, and farming have put Brazil’s rainforest at risk. Hydroelectric dams use the flow of rivers to produce electricity. These dams have flooded large areas of the forests, as well as impacted the routes of fish that migrate. Mining also has increased in the Brazilian rainforests. The forest is often cleared to mine resources out of the earth, such as gold. The mining has released levels of mercury in the water, which impacts the food chains within the rainforest. Cattle farming and soybean production have also resulted in the rainforest being cleared. 

Destruction of Brazil’s Rainforest

Many organizations in the world recognize the potential dangers associated with deforestation in Brazil. The amount of forest that is being cleared is overwhelming. Both government and nonprofits have stepped in to raise awareness and to slow the destruction of the rainforest in Brazil. These groups have had limited success, but are reaching to create areas of conservation in the rainforests of Brazil.

Open Ended

The rainforest is being destroyed by _________, __________, and _____________.