Deforestation and Palm Oil
In Deforestation and Palm Oil see how satellite imaging has revealed a surprising amount of forest removal across the globe. Much of the deforestation is driven by the demand for palm oil, which is found in many products. Deforestation reduces the number of plants that absorb carbon dioxide emissions and adds to the emissions through burning forests. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Climate Change — The Facts, a documentary that delves into the science of climate change and its far-reaching consequences.
Lesson Express
Q: What is the impact of deforestation on climate change?
A: Nearly one-third of carbon dioxide emissions are caused by deforestation; trees and plants absorb about one-third of our emissions.
Q: What might a "strong, unified political response to the situation" look like?
A: Student responses will vary but might include stronger regulations on palm oil production, international agreements to protect forests, and efforts to switch to sustainable alternatives.
Q: How does satellite imaging help us understand the extent of deforestation?
A: Satellite imaging allows us to see large-scale changes in forests, track deforestation over time, and identify areas that are being affected by palm oil farming.
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In The Amazon Rainforest and Human Destruction, look at satellite images that show how forests across South America are being replaced by farms at a rapid pace. Over two million species of plants and animals live in the Amazon rainforest and many are endangered. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
In The Human Impact on Wildlife narrator Sir David Attenborough explains the devastating impact human activities have had on wildlife. Many species are now under threat, but decisions must be made to help reverse these harmful activities. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.
In Saving the Land of the Lacandon People, host Simon Reeve ventures into the heart of Mexico's Lacandon rainforest, an area teeming with life but facing massive threats. Over just a few decades, outsiders have cleared millions of trees to plant crops, putting this rainforest and the Lacandon people in danger. With over 1,500 tree species and home to a third of Mexico’s birds, this forest is a treasure trove of biodiversity that is beginning to disappear. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.
In How Corn Shapes Life in Guatemala, host Simon Reeve travels to Guatemala to meet corn farmers and explore how this crop supports millions of people. As the population has grown, much of the land has been cleared, leading to deforestation. Simon uncovers how corn was shaped over generations to become a staple food and crucial part of Guatemala’s economy and culture. This video is excerpted from BBC’s The Americas With Simon Reeve, in which Simon Reeve explores the landscapes, cultures, and wildlife of North and South America.