Tropical rainforests and climate change
A 20-mark essay question
[Time for another Q and A post. This is to highlight the difference between AO1 (Demonstrating knowledge) and AO2 (Applying that knowledge) in the UK examination context. The geographical context is the Water and Carbon cycle – a compulsory area of content.
The next post continues the series on glaciation of the British Isles, with a focus on Eryri (Snowdonia).]
A reminder: for A level Geography, there are two key Assessment Objectives (AOs):
AO1: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions, and change, at a variety of scales.
AO2: apply knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse, and evaluate geographical information and issues.
So, as on previous occasions, here are two versions of the answer.
The first answer is unannotated.
The second answer is in two formats:
(a) AO1 in italics
(b) AO2 in bold.
With reference to a tropical rainforest that you have studied, evaluate attempts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. (20 marks)
The Amazon rainforest is a critical ecosystem that plays a significant role in mitigating climate change due to its vast carbon storage capacity and influence on global weather patterns. I shall discuss in this essay some key efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change in this region.
Firstly, efforts to conserve the existing forest and restore degraded areas are crucial. Programmes like rain-forestation, which involves planting native species, help rebuild the climate resilience of tropical forests. Restoration projects aim to increase carbon sequestration and enhance biodiversity. Rain-forestation is a sustainable approach to forest restoration that promotes the natural regeneration of tropical rainforests. Unlike traditional reforestation methods that might use fast-growing, non-native species, rain-forestation aims to restore the ecological balance and biodiversity of the forest by using indigenous plants.
Another key aspect of rain-forestation is community involvement. Local communities are often involved in such projects, providing them with sustainable livelihoods and fostering a sense of stewardship over the forest. These include indigenous peoples who have traditional knowledge that can contribute to effective forest management. This process also means that restored rainforests provide other essential ecosystem services such as water quality regulation, and soil stabilisation. Rain-forestation is an effective way to mitigate climate change impacts and is a holistic approach that recognizes the importance of maintaining the natural balance of tropical rainforests.
Another attempt to mitigate the impacts of climate change involves agroforestry, which integrates trees with crops and livestock, and supports sustainable agriculture practices that minimize environmental impact. This is something which can only have a local effect rather than regional, but cumulatively could have a role.
Both above practices require legislation to protect the tropical forest. These include creating protected areas, enforcing anti-deforestation laws, and providing incentives for sustainable land use. The Brazilian government has implemented several measures to mitigate climate change and protect the Amazon Rainforest. The Amazon Security and Sovereignty Plan was announced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (known as Lula).
The plan aims to combat land grabbing, illegal mining, logging, and hunting within indigenous territories and environmental protection areas. It includes the creation of the National Public Security Force's Environmental Operations Company and the establishment of integrated riverine and terrestrial bases to strengthen public security services in the region. President Lula has also signed eight decrees to strengthen the protection of the Amazon and other Brazilian biomes. These decrees focus on reducing deforestation and reaffirming Brazil's commitment to tackling climate change.
The Brazilian government has cracked down on illegal deforestation and other environmental crimes that have been intensified. This includes increasing fines and enforcement actions, longer jail terms, against those involved in illegal activities.
At an international level, Brazil has joined over 100 countries in signing a historic deal to halt and reverse deforestation at the United Nations' global climate talks (COP26) in Glasgow. The country also vowed to become carbon neutral by 2050, moving its timeline forward by a decade. Also, financial mechanisms like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) provide funding for forest conservation. These funds help support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon stocks.
All these measures are part of Brazil's broader strategy to protect the Amazon and advance climate action. Challenges remain, including addressing the economic and social drivers of deforestation and ensuring long-term political commitment and funding. However, the benefits of these mitigation strategies, including improved climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, make them worthwhile investments. (571 words)
With reference to a tropical rainforest that you have studied, evaluate attempts to mitigate the impacts of climate change. (20 marks)
The Amazon rainforest is a critical ecosystem that plays a significant role in mitigating climate change due to its vast carbon storage capacity and influence on global weather patterns. I shall discuss in this essay some key efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change in this region.
Firstly, efforts to conserve the existing forest and restore degraded areas are crucial. Programmes like rain-forestation, which involves planting native species, help rebuild the climate resilience of tropical forests. Restoration projects aim to increase carbon sequestration and enhance biodiversity. Rain-forestation is a sustainable approach to forest restoration that promotes the natural regeneration of tropical rainforests. Unlike traditional reforestation methods that might use fast-growing, non-native species, rain-forestation aims to restore the ecological balance and biodiversity of the forest by using indigenous plants.
Another key aspect of rain-forestation is community involvement. Local communities are often involved in such projects, providing them with sustainable livelihoods and fostering a sense of stewardship over the forest. These include indigenous peoples who have traditional knowledge that can contribute to effective forest management. This process also means that restored rainforests provide other essential ecosystem services such as water quality regulation, and soil stabilisation. Rain-forestation is an effective way to mitigate climate change impacts and is a holistic approach that recognizes the importance of maintaining the natural balance of tropical rainforests.
Another attempt to mitigate the impacts of climate change involves agroforestry, which integrates trees with crops and livestock, and supports sustainable agriculture practices that minimize environmental impact. This is something which can only have a local effect rather than regional, but cumulatively could have a role.
Both above practices require legislation to protect the tropical forest. These include creating protected areas, enforcing anti-deforestation laws, and providing incentives for sustainable land use. The Brazilian government has implemented several measures to mitigate climate change and protect the Amazon Rainforest. The Amazon Security and Sovereignty Plan was announced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (known as Lula).
The plan aims to combat land grabbing, illegal mining, logging, and hunting within indigenous territories and environmental protection areas. It includes the creation of the National Public Security Force's Environmental Operations Company and the establishment of integrated riverine and terrestrial bases to strengthen public security services in the region. President Lula has also signed eight decrees to strengthen the protection of the Amazon and other Brazilian biomes. These decrees focus on reducing deforestation and reaffirming Brazil's commitment to tackling climate change.
The Brazilian government has cracked down on illegal deforestation and other environmental crimes that have been intensified. This includes increasing fines and enforcement actions, longer jail terms, against those involved in illegal activities.
At an international level, Brazil has joined over 100 countries in signing a historic deal to halt and reverse deforestation at the United Nations' global climate talks (COP26) in Glasgow. The country also vowed to become carbon neutral by 2050, moving its timeline forward by a decade. Also, financial mechanisms like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) provide funding for forest conservation. These funds help support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon stocks.
All these measures are part of Brazil's broader strategy to protect the Amazon and advance climate action. Challenges remain, including addressing the economic and social drivers of deforestation and ensuring long-term political commitment and funding. However, the benefits of these mitigation strategies, including improved climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, make them worthwhile investments. (571 words)