Most people around the world do not want to
see the beautiful rain forests of the world chopped down. However,
these people do not see the reality of the situation. Logging
and clear cutting for cattle are the leading reasons why the forest
are being cut down, and they too serve a purpose that is equally
important. Without these two professions, the economy and the
quality of life would suffer in South America. Just as every other
international power has done before, their forests are cut down
and used to boost that nations wealth. But as the forests get
smaller and smaller, people want to see the cutting stopped. But
how can a nation like the United States, who has cut down 95%
of their forests, tell another that they cannot?(1) Only the future
can tell whether each nation will weigh their economic opportunity
or their environmental importance higher.
With most of the South American nations being
either developing or entering and industrial period, the idea
of not logging is close to impossible. And if it were possible
to make laws that prohibited it, even more illegal logging groups
than there are today would emerge. A more sound idea would allow
logging and clear cutting, but put regulation on where to do it
and how much is allowed. This would give the government ability
to regulate deforestation and to maintain a stable rate.
From an economic stand point, deforestation
is mandatory for any nation that plans to succeed in the future.
The value of the forest is astronomical, and with a growing number
of poor people in all of the countries, it cannot be ignored.
Farmers in the rainforest are only allowed to cut down 20% of
their land by law. Much debate has brewed over these land use
laws and the people are pleading for the government to lessen
them or offer compensation for leaving them forested.(2) With
the forest being as large as the United States and with 90% of
it untouched, much pressure is being put to offer more land to
the people. Also according to Ranaldo Troncha, chief of staff
for congressman Moacir Micheletto of Brazil, the environmentalists
exaggerate the threat to the Amazon. He also added that with balanced
clearing they can preserve the land.(3) In truth, deforestation
has a very positive effect if it watched very closely.
Due to the vast amounts of forest that the Amazon has to offer, and the vast poverty in the region, the only solution would be to allow deforestation. Economically is would help the region greatly so that maybe one day it would not depend on the rain forest. Until then it will always be logged and clear cut, so the debates should cease and a happy medium met. Then the proper protection could be given a sustainable amount of wealth could be made. Romantically, the forest will live forever untouched by man, but we all do not live with such ideals. As important as it is to protect, it is to use.
Work Cited:
1. Geo Cities. Deforestation. 13 May 2002 <http://www.geocities.com/lucilite/facts.html>.
2. Hall, Kevin G. "Battle Brews Over Easing of Amazon Rainforest
Regulations." Editorial. Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service
12 May 2000: 1.
3. Hall, Kevin G. "Battle Brews Over Easing of Amazon Rainforest
Regulations." Editorial. Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service
12 May 2000: 1.
