Consequences of deforestation and its impacts on humans
Learning outcome 2.9
Students should be able to analyse one global issue or challenge, under the following headings: causes, consequences, impact on people’s lives and possible solutions.
Exercise 55A Identifying the impacts of losing endangered species Key Skills
Success criteria
I can explain how the loss of endangered species aff ects the rainforests.
There are many diff erent consequences of deforestation, including the following: ● Deforestation means fewer trees to soak up carbon dioxide. This increases the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and causes global warming.
● Many plants, animals and insects are lost because their homes and food sources are destroyed and they become easier targets for hunting.
● Deforestation disrupts rainfall patterns, which causes drought. ● It increases the damage caused by storms and fl oods as the water is held in the ground by tree roots.
● Deforestation removes or damages the forest canopy, which blocks the sun during the day and keeps the heat at night. This is important for maintaining the water cycle.
Working in pairs, read the facts about species endangered by deforestation and try to match the species with the description. Then identify the benefi t this species brings to the rainforest and the impact their removal would have on the forest.