Are Amazon Forests More Important than Electric Cars?
You wouldn't think so based on the current media frenzy to promote electric cars and other green energy solutions as the most effective way to mitigate climate change. In the past forty years, nearly 20% of the Amazon has been cut down and today the the cutting and buring continues unabated. Dig a little deeper and you will find that global deforestation accounts for 20-25% of worldwide carbon emissions. The Amazon alone stores between 80 billion and 130 billion metric tons of carbon in its trees, which if lost to deforestation would emit about 50 times more carbon dioxide than the United States' total annual output! Turns out that saving the Amazon, one of the Earth's largest forests, can be a cheaper and faster way to avoid greenhouse gas emissions - a smart and tangible thing to do while green technology improves! Read more ... |
Ask the Expert: Dr. Steve Madigosky
Dr. Madigosky, professor at Widener University in Pennsylvania and Director of Research for the Amazon Conservatory of Tropical Studies (ACTS) in Peru. Over the last 16years, Dr. Madigosky has compiled a detailed climactic profile of the forest near the ACTS canopy walkway.
Why it is critical for people to understand the importance of the Amazon rainforest and how it helps regulate local, regional, and global climate? The Amazon rainforest represents the greatest expanse of continuous forest remaining on the planet. The current status of Earth's climate hinges dramatically on what occurs in the Amazon. Our understanding of climate change is based on science and research. Baseline climate research and public understanding of the role and importance of rainforests in climate change are essential to create the political will needed to influence policy makers. We need to be addressing climate change on all fronts, especially preserving Amazon rainforests and taking measures that will make the greatest difference.
How can students and teachers get involved in climate monitoring in the Amazon?
Teachers and students have an important role in helping to monitor what occurs in the Amazon as well as what is happening in their own communities. The first step is becoming aware of which environments are at risk. This needs to happen on a grand scale so that all people feel connected and aware of environmental changes. When you are personally involved in research and observation at home or in the Amazon, you gain a tangible and enduring lesson from your direct experience.
Join Dr. Madigosky in the Amazon June 29 - July 8, 2012 |
What Can You Do? 1. Take it to the classroom. Organize a debate for your classroom, school or community around our topic of the month: Is the Amazon more important than electric cars? Use the in-depth report, Seeing the Wood, from the Economist to learn more about the important role of forests in regulating global climate. 2. Use your voice. Use the power of your vote and your voice to get the word out. Rainforest Action Network has some useful tools that will help you express your concern about Amazon deforestation. 3. Contribute to what we know about the Amazon. Check out the new Student Climate Research Campaign developed by The GLOBE Program. You can collect real data at home AND IN THE AMAZON that will be used by scientists to learn more about climate change. 4. Spread the Word! Forward this email to your colleagues, friends, teachers, professors, friends, and family.
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What are Others Doing? Lynne Cherry is a long time friend of the Amazon Rainforest Workshops, advocate for Amazon conservation and author of the best selling children's book, The Great Kapok Tree. Today Lynne is focusing her efforts on combating global climate change and spotlighting the efforts of children around the world. Check out these Young Voices for the Planet videos produced by Lynne and be inspired to make your own impact on the world! |