Monday, May 3, 2010

Deforestation's impact on plant life




Grace


In discussing the deforestation of Amazon, another topic that cannot be put aside is the aftermath on plant life. The Amazon rain forest is the largest of all tropical rain forests. "It sprawls across 2.3 million square miles-an area nearly as large as the United States" (Johnson). About one-third of the world's total number of flowering plants, which are about 80,000 species, grow in Amazon with help from the Amazon, the world's second longest river, which holds about one-fifth of all the fresh water on the planet. Tress in the Amazon rainforest are also known for producing more than 20% of the world's oxygen supply. The great rainforest, however, is now being destroyed due to different means and reasons. Rich in resources and energies, the Amazon was first exposed to industry for its rubber tress called Hevea brasiliensis. "Exploitation of rubber for international markets began in earnest in the mid 19th century" (Oldfield). Between the early 1960s and the end of the 20th century, the Brazilian Government encouraged developments which led to huge cattle ranches and construction of 3,400-mile trans-Amazon highway. This ongoing and unlimited developments are burning the cutting down the tress for handful of corporations' advantages.

As well as for the endangered animals, 'Stewardship of God's Creations' can be applied to this problem. For God had created the earth for all's good, it is our responsibility to find the reasonable limit and right treatment for environment. Also, for this particular topic, I believe the "Role of Government and Subsidiarity" is also important because the role of government in settling the limit of exploitation is crucial.

4 comments:

  1. I agree that just like the exotic animals, "stewardship of God's Creation" can be applied into plants as well. Just as Grace said that the rainforest provide 20% of the world's oxygen, it also provide us medicine. "7000 medicines used by modern physicians come from tropical forest plants" but "we have studied only 1% of tropical rain forest species for their broad spectrum of usefulness" (Gallant). If we practice stewardship towards the plants of the rain forest, we can also practice the Common Good by supplying the world with medicine and possibly the cure for cancer. Also in the rain forest "there [is] a fruit with more vitamin C than in oranges, a palm with more vitamin A than in spinach, another palm whose seeds contain 27% protein... and a tree producing resin which can used unprocessed to fuel diesel cars" (Rain forests of the World). These plants are not just wood for lumber or just something o burn down for fertilizers for farms. These plants can make an impact to the world by giving necessary nutrients to Lesser Developed Countries and those who are suffering with hunger.
    ~Jakub

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  2. Josh
    Peoples indigenous to Brazil’s rainforests, about whom we shall discuss later in the blog, have long channeled the medicinal usefulness of the surrounding flora. Now, “scientists are discovering that many plants are sources for new drugs for AIDS, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s. Quinine, muscle relaxants, steroids, and cancer drugs have already been discovered” (Schaffner). Furthermore, reinforcing Jakub’s point regarding the study of Amazonia’s plant life, “25% of all drugs are derived from rainforest ingredients” (Schaffner). Particularly in light of the relatively miniscule scale of research thus far, irresponsible deforestation in the name of economic development precludes the rainforest’s pharmaceutical potential.

    The issue of felling trees in Brazil’s Amazonia region therefore bears damaging implications not only for Brazilians but also for the global community. Considering the sheer enormity of this impact, the world must engage in effective dialogue to negotiate a means of ensuring the rainforest’s welfare. Brazil’s own government adopted anti-deforestation measures by former minister Marina Silva in the twenty-first century; consequently, deforestation in the “Amazon jungle was reduced more than expected between August 2008 to July 2009—45 percent compared to the previous 12 months” (Osava). Nonetheless, “during that period, 7,008 square kilometres of forest were cleared, according to the Deforestation Monitoring Project” (qtd. by Osava). Thus, while efforts undoubtedly exist, the Catholic zeitgeist of Brazil must more strongly demand for global stewardship that thereby works in the interests of the common good.

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  3. I agree with this post because of the Amazon rainforest’s vital role in the global ecosystem. “Scientists fear that an additional 20 percent of the trees will be lost over the next two decades, and if that happens, the forest’s ecology will begin to unravel. Intact, the Amazon produces half its own rainfall through the moisture it releases into the atmosphere” (Wallace). If enough of the trees are cleared, the extra moisture would be eliminated which would cause the remaining plant life to dry up and die. This means that if enough of the rainforest is destroyed, the remaining parts won’t be able to survive as a consequence. Without the immense amount of plant material in the rainforest, its ability to sustain the organisms living in and around the rainforest will fall apart. This would cause the humans and other animals living in the rainforest to relocate or become extinct or endangered. The natives who have lived in and off of the rainforest for their whole history will be forced out and their culture will be permanently altered. All of the species of animals and insects that survived in the rainforest will have to compete for smaller and smaller food sources, until all but a few species remain in the area. I also believe that the Catholic Social Teaching themes of “Stewardship of God’s Creation” and the “Role of Government and Subsidiary”, are important to this cause, but I would also add the theme of “Common Good and Community” because as Catholics, we should preserve the rainforest and protect the Earth which sustains us all in our global human community.
    -Carl

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  4. The topic of deforestation deals with several precarious issues that have been discussed by my fellow classmates. These include the pharmaceutical potentials of plant life, as well as the loss of habitats for other organisms. Although these topics hold much significance, there are other issues that can be addressed. Jakub briefly pointed out in his comment that plants can serve as an important source of nutrients for lesser developed countries. In actuality, these plants play a more vital role than just providing nourishment for LDCs. Approximately 80% of the rainforests’ nutrients come from plants and trees. This means that only 20% comes from the soil. As deforestation begins to take place, conditions start to change very rapidly. The soil, which is now left out in the open, commences to dry. When it rains, the soil is washed away. As a result, the rainforest never fully recovers because when soil erosion occurs little vegetation grows (“Tropical Rainforest”).

    Furthermore, deforestation has broader consequences. Unfortunately, many people see the forest as a source of income. These people exploit the forest and cut down trees for “rare, exotic timber that sells at high prices.” If this continues, however, there will be no more trees to cut down. Those who make a living out of shifting cultivation will eventually go bankrupt (“Effects of Deforestation”). In this case, another Catholic Social Teaching comes into play besides stewardship. The Church states that “the economy must serve people, not the other way around.” In order for people to respect the principle of Dignity of Work, work must be “more than a way to make a living; it must be a form of continuing participation in God’s creation” (“Themes of Catholic Social Teaching”). If people abide by this principle then they are taking one step closer toward the common good. Finally, while my fellow classmates brought up pharmaceutical implications about the loss of plant life, I would like to emphasize that there are also economic implications, namely the shortsighted misuse of Brazil's rainforest for sole profits.

    -Jessica

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