Deforestation of the Amazonian basin is one of the major environmental problems the world is facing today. This assignment will introduce the problem and propose several solutions. Think critically about people involved and how different their goals and perceptions are. Keep in mind that the article carries someone’s perspective.

Read the article:

The Economist (US), May 12, 2001. “Managing the rainforests; Conservation in Brazil; Saving the rainforest.(Science and Technology)(efforts to save the rapidly diminishing rainforest)”

and answer the following questions. Try to make your answers brief and precise.

1. Why do we treat rainforest conservation as a global problem? Why is it hard to solve? How does the issue of globalization tie into this problem?

2. What is the article’s perspective on the problem? What do you think would be the best thing to do?

3. Put yourself into position of a Brazilian official. Which solution would you promote? How is your answer different to your answer to question 2?

4. Put yourself into position of a Brazilian landowner. What would your actions be? How is your answer different to your answers to questions 2 and 3?