In order to expand agriculture and stimulate a sagging economy, the Brazilian government eased

Question

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)

Answer 1

1. As large tracts of rainforest are cut down or burned, biodiversity in the region is significantly reduced, leading to the extinction of various plant and animal species.

2. With the loss of biodiversity, the delicate balance of ecosystems in the rainforest is disrupted, causing a ripple effect that can lead to more frequent and severe natural disasters such as flooding, landslides, and droughts.

3. The destruction of the rainforest also decreases the region's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, contributing to global climate change and exacerbating the problem of greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Additionally, the indigenous communities that call the rainforest their home are displaced and their way of life is threatened, leading to social unrest and conflict as they struggle to adapt to their new environment.