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

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)

Answer 1

1. Continued deforestation in the Amazon rainforest leads to habitat destruction and displacement of indigenous communities, resulting in loss of biodiversity and cultural heritage.
2. Loss of biodiversity then disrupts ecosystem functions, such as pollination and nutrient cycling, leading to decreased agricultural productivity and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
3. Decreased agricultural productivity can then lead to food insecurity and poverty among local communities, as they rely on the forest for food, medicine, and other resources.
4. Additionally, the release of stored carbon from deforestation contributes to climate change, leading to more frequent and severe weather events that further impact agriculture and economy.