In order to expand agriculture and stimulate a sagging economy, the Brazilian government eased environmental laws which allowed large tracts of rainforest to be cut down or burned. In three to five sentences, construct a potential chain of consequences for what can happen as a result of this kind of deforestation. The chain does not have to be linear (i.e., five steps in a row), but can have several branches, one for each different potential consequence. Your chain should include at least four steps, including the original event.(4 points)

Question

In order to expand agriculture and stimulate a sagging economy, the Brazilian government eased environmental laws which allowed large tracts of rainforest to be cut down or burned. In three to five sentences, construct a potential chain of consequences for what can happen as a result of this kind of deforestation. The chain does not have to be linear (i.e., five steps in a row), but can have several branches, one for each different potential consequence. Your chain should include at least four steps, including the original event.(4 points)

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

3
The answer is mostly clear.

The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.

There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

2
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is not clear.

There are few or no supporting details.

There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0 The question is not answered.

Answer 1

1. Large tracts of rainforest being cut down or burned leads to the loss of habitat for countless plant and animal species, resulting in a decline in biodiversity. This can lead to ecological imbalances and the extinction of certain species, disrupting the natural food chain.

2. Deforestation releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. The destruction of the rainforest, which is known as the "lungs of the Earth," reduces the planet's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide and exacerbates global warming.

3. Without the trees and vegetation of the rainforest to act as a natural barrier, the soil becomes exposed to erosion. As a result, heavy rains can wash away the nutrient-rich topsoil, making the land less fertile and reducing its productivity for agriculture.

4. The destruction of the rainforest also leads to the loss of indigenous communities' ancestral lands, displacing them and causing social and cultural disruption. These communities often depend on the rainforest for their livelihoods, and the loss of their traditional territories can result in poverty and increased social inequality.