Amazon case study

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School

Morgan State University *

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109

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Geography

Date

May 14, 2024

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docx

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2

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Amazon case study 1. Based on this simplified form of benefit–cost analysis, which land use option wins? A logger who wants to remove valuable timber species wins. 2. Evaluate the ways that peasant farmers, loggers, and conservation organizations approach land use. Which do you agree with? Is there room for peaceful coexistence in the Amazon, especially with the prospect of population growth? I agree with conservation organizations. Conservation organizations advocate for the protection and preservation of the Amazon rainforest, recognizing its ecological importance and cultural value. Achieving peaceful coexistence in the Amazon requires a holistic approach that balances environmental conservation with economic development, respects indigenous rights and cultural diversity, and fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders. 3. Support or criticize the use of benefit–cost analysis as a means of economic planning and as a means of preventing environmental degradation. Do you agree more with Costanza (1997b), Pearce (1998), or Sargof (1997)? Do you feel that species have intrinsic rights to exist? Can such existence values be incorporated into environmental policy? BCA can help prevent environmental degradation by evaluating the trade-offs between environmental protection and economic development, guiding policies that achieve a balance between environmental sustainability and economic growth. Costanza (1997b): Advocates for incorporating the full value of ecosystem services and natural capital into economic decision-making, emphasizing the importance of valuing ecological integrity and biodiversity. Incorporating existence values, which reflect people's preferences for the mere existence of species or ecosystems, into environmental policy can be challenging but feasible through contingent valuation methods, stated preference surveys, or deliberative decision-making processes. 4. Do you believe that citizens of tropical countries have the right to deforest the most biologically diverse communities on Earth? Compare and contrast the economic and environmental issues of tropical deforestation with deforestation that occurred in the US and Europe over the last several hundreds of years. While citizens of tropical countries may have the legal right to deforest biologically diverse communities, it is important to recognize the broader implications of such actions. Tropical deforestation not only leads to the loss of invaluable biodiversity and ecosystem services but also contributes significantly to global
climate change. In contrast, historical deforestation in the US and Europe occurred over several centuries, driven primarily by agricultural expansion, urbanization, and industrialization. While these processes also had adverse environmental impacts, including habitat loss and soil degradation, they occurred in a different socio-economic context and were often accompanied by advancements in conservation practices and reforestation efforts. Thus, while citizens may have rights to utilize their natural resources, sustainable management practices and conservation efforts are essential to mitigate the negative consequences of deforestation in tropical regions. 5. John Terborgh, tropical ecologist at Duke University, asserts that in order to save tropical forests, citizens of industrial nations are going to have to pay developing countries. Do you agree? What are some ways that this might be done? I agree with John Terborgh's assertion that citizens of industrial nations may need to financially support developing countries to save tropical forests. One approach is through mechanisms such as international payments for ecosystem services (PES) or carbon offset programs, where developed countries pay tropical countries for maintaining or restoring forests to offset their own carbon emissions. Additionally, financial support can be provided through grants, loans, or investments in sustainable development projects that promote forest conservation, community livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, capacity-building initiatives and technology transfer can help developing countries enhance their capabilities for sustainable land management and conservation. Overall, cooperation and financial support from industrial nations are crucial for addressing the underlying drivers of tropical deforestation and promoting conservation efforts in developing countries.
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