Brazil Environmental Problems and Solutions Research Paper Example

Brazil: Environmental Problems and Solutions Paper Brazil Environmental Issues The South American country of Brazil is well-known for its biodiversity and wealth of natural resources. The Amazon River and rainforests are located in Brazil, a country with more than 800,000 square miles of coastline, and a landmass so large that its borders touch all but two of its neighboring countries (Rich, 1999). The Amazon rainforests is the worlds largest tropical rainforests, and for purposes of comparison, its size is equivalent to one-half of the entire United States (Rich, 1999). Although the need to protect this unique and valuable environment might seems obvious, the rainforests and its ever have been the victims Of extensive damage due to lack Of resource management, overuse of the land and its resources, and actions taken due to immediate human economic needs. Braziers local environmental problems have become a world concern. These problems are so numerous that it is difficult to focus on only two. A population explosion that creates excessive amounts of waste and garbage and puts heavy demands on the environment, strip and coal mining, emissions control, and species elimination and extinction are major concerns. We will write a custom essay sample on Brazil: Environmental Problems and Solutions specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Brazil: Environmental Problems and Solutions specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Brazil: Environmental Problems and Solutions specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Two of the most serious problems facing Braziers environment at present, however, are the devastation of the rainforests and water pollution (Rich, 1999). These problems affect not only Brazilian, but the entire world. History and Overview of Braziers Environmental Problems Rich (1999), Musics SAA Paulo correspondent, reports that Braziers environmental problems are almost as old as the country itself, an observation that is confirmed by a recent work of historical fiction, Brazil Red. As Portuguese colonists left their homeland and resettled in Brazil, they cut down vast swaths of forest to clear land and plant the crops they would need o survive in their new land (Rich, 1999). This practice has continued over the years in various incarnations, but as a rate that is unchecked. In the documentary film Carbonizes, filmmakers expose the devastation inflicted on Braziers hardwood forests by peasants who burn down the trees in order to sell charcoal for a living. Carbonations deftly portrays the dilemma that characterizes almost all of Braziers environmental problems; the peasants are not heartless men and women who destroy their environment thoughtlessly. Rather, they are poor people who see no other viable economic alternatives ND who claim that their government does not help them to find any. This same painful dilemma can explain the dynamic that underlies the acts of clear-cutting the Amazon rainforests. Brazil has been able to establish its economic dominance of the South American continent by exploiting its varied natural resources, including medicinal, botanical, nuts, woods, and rubber, that are harvested in the tropical rainforests (Rich, 1 999; Smallwood, 2005). The harvesting of these natural products are essential to Braziers economy, and even though it is obvious that production cannot be sustained at the resent rate, it is difficult to do more than talk about the dangers of exploiting natural resources when no other viable economic stimulants have been identified or promoted. According to Smallwood (2005), a research associate with the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, 9,000 square miles of Braziers rainforests were destroyed in 2004; Rich (1999) supports this by offering a visual metaphor: Every day, the equivalent of more than 5,000 football fields are clear cut in Brazil. Current Concerns and Extent of Damage The practice of clear-cutting the Amazon has numerous consequences. First, t depletes the nations and the worlds biodiversity; on the Meta Atlantic coastline alone, more than 171 animal species were in immediate danger of extinction in 1999 (Rich, 1999). The decrease in the variety and number of flora and fauna creates disruptions in the food chain, restricts our ability to conduct scientific and medical research, and is a process that is absolutely irreversible. Once extinct, a species cannot be restored to our planet. The bare land, of course, creates other problems. Soil erosion and contamination of the water table are some effects (Rich, 1 999) that have erect impacts on humans. This is particularly alarming because Braziers burgeoning population has spread farther and farther into previously uninhabited territories, and clean water is not available in many communities (Rich, 1999). As we all learned in earth science class, an absence of trees negatively impacts natures ability to recycle water effectively. Trees acts as filters and generators; when they are not present, they cannot perform this vital function. The problems that humans have created then generate more problems. Rich (1999) points to the fact that the population incursion into ewe areas and the lack of trees has forced local authorities to construct hydroelectric dams, which have destroyed entire ecosystems, thereby creating additional environmental problems. The effects are not only local, but ripple into other countries as well. Braziers rainforests have been called the lungs of the planet (Rich, 1999). What do we do when our lungs are gone? Predictions Environmental experts generally agree that if Brazil does not restrain its uncontrolled environmental destruction, both the county and the world will suffer devastating consequences. Most experts believe that the damage is irreversible, and it is hard to dispute this claim (Rich, 1999). They also point out that the damage will not be restricted to the physical environment, but will have indelible social impacts, including disease and criminal violence (Rich, 1999). Economic instability will also result. When a country that has been economically dependent upon its natural resources has completely stripped itself of those resources, without hope of their renewal, what alternatives does it have, and which of these alternatives are viable and can be instituted quickly? While some damage that has already been done cannot be remedied, environmentalists do believe that Braziers environmental demise is not inevitable; they can still avert complete destruction. However, they note that action is needed quickly, and that such action will need to be bold, multi- faceted, and implemented with the support and direct involvement of many different levels of society, from the individual to the government. (Cook, 2003, up. 326). Brazil can look within its own borders for inspiration, as well as draw from some innovative initiatives in other countries that enjoy far less economic power than Brazil. Positive Change and Potential Solutions Brazil and the world recognize that the devastation of the rainforests and the resulting contamination of the countrys water supply are of deep and immediate concern and necessitate action. As with so many social problems, though, deciding upon and implementing solutions appears more difficult than continuing on the path of devastation. The reason is that we all live in need of addressing current economic needs, attemptingand often failingto balance those immediate needs against our own future possibilities and sustainability. To address the problem of environmental destruction in Brazil, the Brazilian government and its people would have to offer viable economic alternatives to its citizens and its systems that currently profit from environmental destruction. While Brazil recognizes its problems and challenges, it is justifiably resistant to pressures from external governments, including the United States. Rich (1999) describes the dynamic as one of resentment: how can the united States, which in its own history clear-cut and wasted natural resources in order to reap economic rewards, tell Brazil it needs to fix its problems? Further, what will other governments, such as the US, do to help Brazil address this massive problem? Gabon: A Case Study Brazil can certainly look outside its borders to other countries for inspiration. One of the most encouraging environmental improvement success stories of recent years is that of Gabon, an African nation that has declared ten percent of its land as protected natural parks (Nielsen, 2002). Gabon, which also has one of the worlds most important rainforests, has completely restricted hunting and logging activities in the 13 national parks and, as a result, has not only enjoyed substantial environmental improvements, but a significant increase in tourism, economic support packages by countries such as the US, who announced $75 million in funds to be directed toward the national parks of Gabon, and increased positive press and financial support from such organizations as National Geographic and the United Nations (Nielsen, 2002). The increase in tourism has filled the economic void that the destruction of the rainforests had created. Brazil, which already enjoys a steady flow of tourists, particularly in its urban areas of ROI De Jeanine and SAA Paulo, might infinite from following Gibbons environmentally sustainable and responsible model, shifting an economy based on environmental exploitation to one based on costumers. One of the key factors that made the Gabon program successful, Nielsen (2002) reports is the governments leadership. The president of Gabon took a leading role in spearheading efforts to guide his countrys economy away from environmental exploitation and towards costumers. If Brazil is to be successful in such a transition, government support, and not merely verbal enthusiasm, would be absolutely necessary. The Council on Hemispheric Affairs is not particularly hopeful that the current president, Lull, will guide such a shift, noting that while Lull is verbally supportive of environmental reforms, his administration has little to show in terms of concrete accomplishments in this particular area (Smallwood, 2005). Curtail: Green City Brazil does not actually need to look as far away as Gabon to resolve its environmental crisis. Some local city governments in Brazil have proposed interesting innovations to restrain worsening environmental conditions. One f these towns, Curtail, has gained international exposure and praise for its creative and thoughtful interventions. Curtains mayor has been praised enthusiastically for spearheading efforts to green his city. On an operational level, this meant redesigning the city in such a way that pedestrians had more access than cars, public transportation was a city priority, and recycling was compulsory. The planners of the Curtail project focused on solutions that were relatively simple and cost-effective to implement in the city of 2. 2 million, and it thus makes sense that Curtains program could be replicated in there areas of the country (Wheeler Beatable, 2004). Curtail has since served as a model of environmental stewardship to other cities around the world (Wheeler Beatable, 2004, up. 204). Santos Beach Recovery Program Similarly, The Santos Beach Recovery Program was created to combat water pollution. The goal of the Santos Beach Recovery Program was to eliminate contamination of Santos beaches and rebuild the local tourist economy in two phases over a four year period. The first phase includes rerouting the contaminated water in storm water canals from the ocean and into sewage retirement plants. The second phase involves improving the water quality in storm water canals by identifying and eliminating illegal waste drains (2003, Horizons Solution). Conclusion The environmental problems that currently plague Brazil are serious and are deserving of immediate attention and intervention. It is not likely, however, that critical pressure from other countries will have any appreciable effect in preventing an escalation of the environmental problems that confront Brazil and have consent ounces for that country and the rest of the world. It is clear hat the reason for continued environmental devastation is neither ignorance nor willful disregard for the environment, but immediate and pressing economic need in a country whose population has outstripped its economic capacities. In order to affect a viable solution to the Brazilian crisis, realistic proposals must take into consideration these very real economic needs. The restraint of the environmental crisis in Brazil is not the responsibility of one group alone. Effective intervention strategies must involve partnerships between individual citizens, the countrys government, and non-governmental organizations. Outside advisers, such as those who have been involved in turn-around projects in countries like Gabon, might also be useful allies.