First, write an online article that helps readers understand an issue related to the
environment. This half of the assignment should present evidence from credible
sources, as well as some kind of visual aid. The second half of the assignment is to
turn the article into a speech that will be presented to a younger audience.
The article should avoid making a direct argument and instead present information
that you found through research. Use headings to organize your information, and
hyperlinks and citations to show the reader where you got your information. The
speech will present the same general information but will stick to the most
important topics and use a different tone.
Article:
Title: Understanding the Impact of Deforestation on the Environment
Introduction:
Deforestation is a pressing issue that has a significant impact on the environment. It involves the clearing of forests on a large scale, primarily for agricultural purposes, logging, and urbanization. This process not only leads to the loss of biodiversity but also contributes to climate change and other environmental issues.
Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss:
One of the major consequences of deforestation is the loss of biodiversity. Forests are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are unique and cannot be found anywhere else. When forests are cleared, these species lose their habitats and are at risk of extinction. According to the World Wildlife Fund, deforestation is a leading cause of biodiversity loss, with an estimated 18 million acres of forest lost each year.
Deforestation and Climate Change:
In addition to biodiversity loss, deforestation also plays a significant role in climate change. Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass. When forests are cleared, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, deforestation accounts for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Deforestation and Water Cycle Disruption:
Furthermore, deforestation can disrupt the water cycle and lead to a range of environmental issues. Trees play a crucial role in regulating the flow of water through the ecosystem, absorbing water from the soil and releasing it through transpiration. When trees are removed, this process is disrupted, leading to soil erosion, reduced water quality, and increased risk of flooding and drought. A study published in Nature Communications found that deforestation can significantly alter regional rainfall patterns and increase the likelihood of extreme weather events.
Visual Aid:
To help illustrate the impact of deforestation on the environment, here is a graph showing the increasing rate of forest loss over the past few decades:
[Insert graph here]
Conclusion:
In conclusion, deforestation is a complex issue that has far-reaching consequences for the environment. By understanding the impact of deforestation on biodiversity, climate change, and the water cycle, we can work towards finding sustainable solutions to protect our forests and preserve the natural world for future generations.
Speech:
Hello everyone,
Today, I want to talk to you about something very important – deforestation. Have you ever heard of this before? It's when people cut down trees in forests, and it's causing some big problems for our environment.
First, let's talk about how deforestation is hurting animals and plants in the forest. When trees are cut down, animals lose their homes and food sources. Some animals are even at risk of disappearing forever because of deforestation. It's like taking away a place where they can live and thrive.
Second, deforestation is also making our planet warmer. Trees help to remove a gas called carbon dioxide from the air, which is causing the Earth to heat up. When we cut down trees, all that carbon dioxide gets released back into the air, making climate change worse.
Lastly, deforestation is messing up the water cycle. Trees help to regulate the flow of water in the ecosystem, so when they're gone, it can lead to problems like floods and droughts. We need trees to keep our rivers and lakes healthy and our communities safe.
So, what can we do to help stop deforestation? We can support organizations that are working to protect forests, reduce our paper and wood consumption, and plant more trees in our communities. By working together, we can make a difference and protect our environment for the future.
Thank you for listening, and remember, every little bit helps to save our forests!