02_04_worksheet.doc
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San Jose State University *
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Course
210
Subject
Geography
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by AgentPenguinMaster277
Forests and Deforestation
Current Event
Student Name:
Current Event:
Use the current event videos to answer these questions in complete sentences.
•
What is being claimed as the cause of the wildfires in Indonesia?
The wildfires in Indonesia are claimed to be primarily caused by deliberate human activities,
particularly the setting of fires to clear land for agricultural production, with a significant focus
on expanding palm plantations.
•
What are the effects of wildfires on the environment
and
the people of Indonesia?
The wildfires in Indonesia have led to the burning of vast forest areas, impacting more than 800,000
acres. The environmental effects include the destruction of ecosystems, displacement of endangered
species like orangutans due to flames and smoke, and air pollution. The people of Indonesia are
experiencing health issues, with over 150,000 individuals treated for respiratory ailments due to the
smoky air. Additionally, diplomatic tensions have risen with neighboring countries like Singapore and
Malaysia due to the spread of unhealthy air.
•
Summarize why deforestation is not controlled in the Democratic Republic of
Congo. Summary should be three to five sentences.
Deforestation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not effectively controlled due to poor
governance, high levels of corruption, and insufficient enforcement of existing laws. Despite the DRC
having a forest code that regulates which trees can be cut and how many, there is little enforcement,
leading to widespread logging. Logging companies are accused of abusing the system, using fraud to
legalize unauthorized logging. The lack of proper governance and enforcement allows companies to
exploit the forest sector, leading to significant deforestation with adverse consequences for both local
communities and the environment.
•
Describe two ecosystem services (goods or services) provided by the forests
according to the videos.
One ecosystem service provided by Indonesian forests is biodiversity conservation, as these
forests are home to endangered species such as orangutans. Another service is climate
regulation, where the forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing and
storing carbon dioxide. Forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo provide a vital ecosystem
service in terms of climate regulation by sequestering carbon. Additionally, these forests support
local communities by providing resources for their livelihoods, including non-timber forest
products and sustenance for traditional practices.
Making Connections:
Use the lesson content to answer these questions in complete sentences.
•
Both videos discuss deforestation practices. Identify one deforestation practice for
each video.
Indonesia:
Deliberate setting of fires for land clearance, particularly for palm plantations.
Democratic Republic of Congo:
Widespread logging, often with fraudulent practices to bypass
regulations.
•
Describe
two
effects that would result from deforestation in
each
video.
Indonesia:
1. Loss of biodiversity, impacting endangered species.
2. Air pollution and respiratory health issues for the population.
Democratic Republic of Congo:
1. Disruption of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity.
2. Climate change impacts, including rising temperatures.
•
Explain how carbon-sequestering methods reduce the impacts of deforestation?
Carbon-sequestering methods involve the capture and storage of carbon dioxide. In the context
of deforestation, preserving forests or engaging in reforestation efforts helps sequester carbon by
preventing the release of stored carbon in trees and promoting the absorption of atmospheric
carbon dioxide by new vegetation. This contributes to mitigating the impacts of deforestation on
climate change.
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