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CILT,Brasília, Brazil, Teacher Marcia, 3C
Activity 2C
The Amazon Rainforest
In 1970, Brazil was under a military dictatorship that decided to "take care" of the Amazon Rainforest by invading it and declaring a property (to the power) of the state. Since then, legal and illegal corporations have deforested the world’s largest tropical forest. The current deforested area is equivalent to 17 Netherland's territory or 23 Belgium! Also, in 20 years, the deforestation rhythm has increased 51%.
The Amazon Rainforest is really important to the climate of the entire planet, and it is needed to know about the consequences of this imprudence. Studies show us that in medium or short-term the climate change is imperceptible, but it also says that in 2050 - a long-term case - the temperature of the Amazon Rainforest shall be increased at 2 or 3 degrees Celsius! Consequently, the rainfall rate shall be decreased, increasing the dry areas and intensity all over the continent.
The theory of social responsibility is built on a system of ethics, in which decisions and actions must be ethically validated before taking place. Brazilian companies have always extracted resources from the Amazon rainforest. Unfortunately, because the government ignorance, they have been disregarding that precious place.
The Amazon rainforest is extremely important for the world and it needs to be preserved. Since colonization, Brazil has been extensively devastated; we cannot explore and put end on the riches we have.
The issue of social and environmental ethics should begin with a better education. For example. Children need to be aware that it is a serious issue and they are the ones who can try to improve the situation in the future.
The Brazilian Government and international organizations have developed action programs with high priority on land use change, nature conservation and climate change mitigation.
Conservation areas, indigenous lands or military areas legally protect a part of the biome. However, the lack of implementation of the laws makes these areas continue to be explored illegally.
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1 Comment(s)
Hi Maria,
Your post shows your understanding of the many issues and different stakeholders in the current problems facing the Amazon rainforest. Is there currently any education about the rainforest in Brazilian schools? I remember when I was in Grade Three in Canada, we learned about the rainforest and we worked together to raise money for the World Wild Life fund to support the protection of a small part of the rainforest. Do you have any ideas about how the policies and laws might be more effective for protecting the rainforest? How could the theory of social responsibility be applied at the governmental level or business level?
Allison
Allison Bruce
Oct 23, 2017