The World Moves Forward Into The Digital Age Essay

As the world moves forward into the digital age, American institutions must adapt to serve the needs of a digital society. The Newspaper industry has not entered the digital age unscathed; several issues of the current business model must be addressing if Newspapers are to survive the century. Americans and especially the younger generations are more skeptical of the Mass Media and less likely to believe that they are non-biases and question more than ever of the legitimacy of the news stories put out by the press. And as the world becomes a smaller community people are more concerned with international affairs and less local issues unless directly affecting them. Once one of the only outlets for advertisers to reach, large audiences Newspapers are heavily dependent on ad sales, which can cause an issue if every person in America has a portable device that spews ads at them all day. During the 2008 financial crisis, newspapers saw the largest drop in revenue from advertising sales since the great depression. The drop in sales affected every sector of the Industry’s market. Revenue from advertisements is the largest portion of the total income for newspapers; the dramatic decline was and is devastating for not only local but also national newspapers. In 2009 the total amount of spending on advertisements fell by 12.9% across all industries. Newspapers alone saw their advertisement revenue decline by 26%, a rate that was 50% steeper than in than in 2008 when revenues fell byShow MoreRelatedKodaks Faulty Decision Making: A Case Study619 Words   |  3 Pagescaused the downfall if the Kodak company is that they have refused to recognize that the new wave of digital photography would become so popular. Kodak bet that they would be able to survive with film cameras despite the incredible success of digital photography. Kodak made at least two mistakes in their profiling of the new technology. The first issue is that Kodak was a pioneer of modern digital technology (Smith Yousuf, 2012). Unfortunately, executives of the company had no faith that the technologyRead MoreEssay On Technology And Technology747 Words   |  3 Pagesuse of technology in early childhood classes can extend the way young children are learn. The use of technology can enhance learning, can help children communication, can become resourceful, and can shrink the educational and digital divide preparing them for the changing world. The use of technology is enhancing the way young children are learning when they enter school. Technology is also helping children extend learning concepts that are being taught to them daily. Children who have technologyRead MoreTechnological Advancements And An Influx Of Mass Media898 Words   |  4 Pagesand extra-sensory overload among members of our society. This erosion of our personal identity in the information age is directly degrading the intricate social network of our religiosity. As information sources have grown exponentially over the last two decades, people have demonstrated less and less religiosity which is being replaced by the social hierarchy of an interconnected digital society. For Generation X religiosity as a process over a typical life course trajectory is being replaced byRead MoreThe Development Of Creative Thinking Essay1548 Words   |  7 Pagesgoes fast, rapidly evolving technology going forward and the progress requires human attention and concent ration, flexible thinking, and quick adaptation to what is happening. The world is constantly in need of interchange of different problems with the help of creative approaches. Cathy Davidson, the author of Project Classroom Makeover, provides a significant work on the role of creative thinking and its transformation due to changes in the digital era, as well as the process of forming of theRead MoreThe Effect Of New Media On The Position Paper1705 Words   |  7 PagesDepartment of State Introduction The United States Department of State was founded on July 27, 1789. This institution moves forward under its mission statement, which is â€Å"to shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere† (State Dept Website). With world events proceeding in an alarming direction, such as the recent missile strike by President Trump against Syria (CNNRead MoreImpact Of Big Data On The Future1364 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract The continuous flow of data and information flooding our lives in conjunction with further increases in technology, has created a world of endless possibilities in this day and age. The impact and influences that have been created through big data will shape our lives not only today, but well into the future. This report examines the benefits of big data and the impact it has currently having in our lives as we speak. It also explores the correlation between the lack of knowledge, securityRead MoreBusiness Proposal1436 Words   |  6 Pages(University of Phoenix, 2014) has developed a digital reading application that is simple to use, and necessary in today’s world of academics, business, and pleasure use. It is the intention of this business proposal to acquire the financing needed to begin launch of this new application and the following in-depth information will show that the numbers support Mr. Bury’s proposal. Market Analysis In the growing technological age and with the introduction of digital reading devices like the iPad ® fromRead MoreCharacteristics of Business Leadership1692 Words   |  7 Pagesled a cultural transformation in the way music, movies and mobile communications were experienced in the digital age. Jobs mastered digital technology and capitalized on his intuitive marketing sense. He largely came to define the personal computer industry and an array of digital consumer and entertainment businesses centered on the Internet. Coming on the scene just as computing began to move beyond the walls of research laboratories and corporations in the 1970s, Mr. Jobs saw that computing wasRead MoreAnalysis Of George Orwell s Dystopian Nineteen Eighty Four1725 Words   |  7 Pagesaccelerate as we move into the coming years. The decentralization of knowledge, brought about by expanding broadband penetration, will lead to a wider access to educational resources for a growing number of people. Thes e developments will produce a higher degree of democracy in education; students will take control over their own learning. How will this democratization come about? There are a variety of ideas. However, all of them share in common a recognition that the digital world is the frontierRead MoreThe Effects Of Digital And Traditional On The Classroom1586 Words   |  7 PagesMany adults think that because children and young adults have immersed in technology at a young age, they are naturally literate or skilled in using technology. Younger generations have been labeled as â€Å"digital native† or â€Å"tech savvy† individuals. Unfortunately, this labeling is not as true as most believe. Today’s students are no more literate with digital devices than their parents are. Digital literacy requires a much broader spectrum of skills than traditional reading requires. Skills that must

The Ideas Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein - 1288 Words

The ideas in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein endorse the concept of man’s place in nature and contradict the ideas found in On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man by Charles Darwin. Although Frankenstein was written nearly 40 years before Darwin’s theories, the evidence of Darwinism can be found throughout the works. In Frankenstein, Victor Frankenstein encompasses a strong desire to be educated in science that he would become fully enthralled in his learning. Charles Darwin had an equal passion for learning himself, such as when he partakes in his voyage on the Beagle. Darwin and Shelley were deeply entrenched in their studies, but the decisions they made in their research landed them in completely opposite directions. Both have agreeable views on nature in that man evolved from evolution, with the exception that Frankenstein intervenes with the balance of nature, which leads to his shortcomings in his life. Victor and Darwin’s ideas are agreea ble in that they both believe that through natural selection; the greater species thrive and has led to what makes humans different from other species today. Their ideals differ slightly on creationism. Darwin believes that creation of living species should be left to nature without human interference, while Victor takes creation into his own hands and acts as God. These influences are directly related to the meaning of mans value in nature. In Frankenstein, Shelley implies that Victor Frankenstein’s creation of theShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein 1601 Words   |  7 Pagesthe substance itself.†(Mary Shelley) An author’s personal story and background has an immense impact on literature and culture. It affects the style of the writing and ultimately the topics and themes they write about. The novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is an exceptional example of how a person’s experiences influence literature and culture. Frankenstein tells the story of Victor, his monstrous creation, and the consequences both he and the monster had to live through. Mary Shelley’s traumatic earlyRead MoreAnalysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein 1306 Words   |  6 Pagestragedy. Mary Shelley has been surrounded by death her entire life and she felt like a monster, such as the one in her novel Frankenstein. She felt responsible for the tragedy around her. Deaths around Mary Shelley In London, England, Mary Shelley was born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin on August 30, 1797, and her parents were of high status at that time. Her father was William Godwin, a famous philosopher and an author best known for his books Caleb Williams and Political Justice. Her mother Mary WollstonecraftRead MoreThe Concepts of Knowledge and Happiness in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1011 Words   |  5 Pagesaspires to become greater than his nature will allow (Shelley 60). In Mary Shelley s Frankenstein, she expresses her beliefs regarding the danger of pursuing happiness through the attainment of knowledge, because true happiness is found in the emotional connections established between people. The pursuit of knowledge is not necessarily an evil thing, but it can cause destruction when it is pursued beyond natural limits. Victor Frankenstein becomes a slave to his passion for learning in more thanRead MoreFrankenstein As A Gothic Classic Written By Mary Shelley Essay1417 Words   |   6 PagesToday, we all see Frankenstein as a gothic classic written by Mary Shelley. Though that was not the case during the early 1800s. When Frankenstein, a novel that tells the story of a young man that creates a monster by assembling body parts, was anonymously published, many believed that the author of the novel was Percy Bysshe Shelley rather than his wife Mary Shelley. Mary Shelley, previously Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, was the only daughter of William Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, two noted writersRead MoreMary Shelley1066 Words   |  5 PagesMary Shelley was born on August 30, 1797, becoming a distinguished, though often neglected, literary figure during the Romanticism Era. Mary was the only child of Mary Wollstonecraft, a famous feminist, but after her birth, Wollstonecraft passed away (Harris). Similar to Mary’s book Frankenstein, both her and Victor’s mothers die when they are at a very young age. Mary’s father was William Godwin, an English phi losopher who also wrote novels that would inspire Mary in the late years of her life (Holmes)Read MoreAnalysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein 1184 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout Frankenstein, Mary Shelley uses a ‘framed narrative using three different characters who tell their story at different times of the novel. In the beginning of the story, the audience receives Captain Walton s point of view, who primarily writes letters to his sister Margaret Saville, in England. Secondly, the audience comes hand in hand with Victor Frankenstein s point of view and within his narrative, they receive the indomitable Creature s point of view. The major theme portrayedRead MoreMary Shelleys Frankenstein Feminism1429 Words   |  6 PagesRobert Youshock Prof. Matthew Gerber HIST 1012 10/19/18 Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Feminism before it was mainstream? Writing a paper on the topic of Frankenstein days before Halloween might give you the wrong idea- lets clear something up straight away Frankenstein is the doctor not the monster and the monster doesn’t have a name (which we later learn is mildly important to the story). You see, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is arguably a story of creation, murder, love, and learning amongst manyRead MoreThe Myth Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein Essay1204 Words   |  5 Pagesfiction, Frankenstein. Shelley’s Frankenstein was deeply influenced by the Prometheus myth ranging from the history of the title, the action of the main character, and the consequences of performing the action. When the book was first published, Mary Shelley gave a hint of the Prometheus origin in the name of the book. Her original title in 1818 for this book was called â€Å"Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.† After the overwhelming success of Frankenstein in 1818, Percy Shelley, Mary Shelley’sRead MoreMary Shelley ´s Frankenstein; Or, the Modern Prometheus, an Analysis of the Subtitle1219 Words   |  5 Pagesof creation.† (Shelley 37). Ab initio Victor Frankenstein, the main protagonist, is being put on a level with Prometheus through the subtitle. An indication that Mary Shelley did indeed have the myth in mind as she wrote the novel, is not only her subtitle, but moreover the parallels between the Prometheus myth and Frankenstein, which are undeniable. The title itself gives a lot away of the story which follows. It links the modern world with the ancient Greek myth. Victor Frankenstein â€Å"steals† theRead MoreThe Consequences Of Technology On Mary Shelley s Frankenstein Essay1703 Words   |  7 PagesThe Consequences of Technology Revealed in Shelley s Frankenstein In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, written in the late nineteenth century, the author proposes that knowledge and technology can be dangerous to individuals and all of humanity. Frankenstein was one of the first cautionary tales about scientific research. Shelley s novel offers profound insight of the consequences of morally insensitive scientific and technological research. Learn from me. . . at least by my example

The Bio Ecological Theory Created By Bronfenbrenner

Throughout the world there are many homeless individuals who are in need of help. Many of these people have trouble finding a job or a way to help themselves get stable. Not a lot of the homeless know how to handle money or illnesses they have developed. Many homeless also suffer from addictions and are in need of rehabilitation programs. The cause of these illnesses or drug problems can be related to the fact that when growing up they suffered from different life changes and expectations within the bio ecological theory or context. For my Service Learning Project I have implemented a project that I believe will help the homeless community with their second chance. As we grow up we associate ourselves with different people and environments no matter how old we are or get we still see different people and different environments. The bio ecological theory created by Bronfenbrenner, which explains just that with contexts of development. With the contexts of development there are the biological, immediate, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts. All of these contexts play a role in whether or not your life heads in a good or bad path. In every context there is a different association from people and the environment such as cultural context which can provide the belief in society that education is important.(Boyd, 2015) However, the belief that education is important can be downgraded in the socioeconomic context if a family does not have the ability to send their child to aShow MoreRelatedBronfenbrenner s Bio Ecological Systems Theory Essay1553 Words   |  7 Pagesfamily often do the same thing. Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-Ecological systems theory, is a tool that can help a person studying Human Development understand the aspects of living that shape who a person is and who they will become. There have been several attempts by many people through history, Fraud, Vygotsky, Piaget to understand the developing person, but all have failed to view the individual in the context of their lives. In his theory Bronfenbrenner attempted not to separate the individual from theirRead MoreBronfenbrenner Bioecological Systems Theory: The Impact on a Child’s Development1394 Words   |  6 PagesBronfenbrenner’s Systems theory describes how external environments and individuals affect the development of a child (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2009). The relationships are interconnected among all individuals and their environments (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2009). These environments are referred to as spheres. Bronfenbrenner classified the spheres; starting from the outside as the macro system, exosystem, mesosystem, and microsystem (Boyd, Johnson, Bee, 2009). To illustrate the use of this theory, I will provideRead MoreMy Personal Career And Continued Professional Practice932 Words   |  4 Pagescycle and Charles Cooley s looking glass theory (1964) and how this reflects on my practice. Lastly discussing how my personal pedagogy has been transformed into knowledge gained from theoretical frameworks expressing an understanding of different psychology schools such as Piaget (1936) cognitive development and Vygotsky (1978) Social Development theory. Furthermore considering, Bowlby (1973) attachment theory and Bronfenbrenner (1979) bio-ecological system and there impact on Early Years developmentRead MoreBronfenbrenner s Ecological Systems Theory Essay1964 Words   |  8 PagesUrie Bronfenbrenner as with many other contextual perspective theorists’ views families as structures of relating individuals. This can be explained by how both the parents and chil dren play a part in influencing the other. Bronfenbrenner takes the proposed general theories a step further by adding two very important factors. These two factors are genes (Bio) and the environment (Ecology) in which the child develops in. The two factors as mentioned previously are the foundation of Bronfenbrenner’sRead MorePersonal and Occupational Development Throughout the Lifespan2706 Words   |  11 Pagesconfidentiality. This will be followed by a brief explanation of the lifespan and occupational models that will be used throughout the essay. A summary of the interviewee’s narrative will then be provided. This will be expanded upon by using lifespan theories. Confidentiality Seidman (2013) identified a number of ways of maintaining a participant’s anonymity when conducting an interview. Consideration was give to these guidelines throughout the essay. The pseudonym ‘Chloe’ was used to refer to the intervieweeRead MoreThe Bioecological Model of Human Development2376 Words   |  10 PagesThe Bio ecological Model of Human Development: Comprehensive Study Introduction The method in which children come into their development is a very significant procedure that every person should be able to recognize. Children are not all the same so their development is not the same either. In fact, most children cannot even be treated the same when in regards to their development. To get a better understanding that involves the way children and teenagers grow a person would need to really recognizeRead More547 Marie Jevon1 Understand How The4585 Words   |  19 Pagesï » ¿547 – Marie Jevon 1. Understand how the different and evolving theories about autism reflect the complexity of autistic spectrum conditions Since it first identified as a distinct disorder by Leo Kanner (1943), autism studies continued in order to explain its causes. Many theories and clinical studies evolved. However, none of them seems to be conclusive. Although it was interchangeably considered as part of schizophrenia, recently it is defined as a distinct disorder that has its own characteristics

Saints vs Modern Day Role Models - 1823 Words

THESIS STATEMENT Saint’s qualities can be viewed as more effective modern role models and leaders than the contemporary media influencing the youth. PURPOSE STATEMENT The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the influence of the with the media today and how saints can be viewed as role models today, which will be supported with books and web sources on the related topics. INTRODUCTION Saint’s qualities can be viewed as more effective modern role models and leaders than the contemporary media influencing the youth. The mass media influences our society today in what many should look up and follow their steps to. They create role models for the youth to base their decisions in life so they follow their role model’s actions.†¦show more content†¦Treating others with respect no matter where they came from and taking full responsibility for their actions are other qualities. Crandall explains, â€Å"You’ve got to have the highest ethical standards to be an effective role model, and have to lead, and create an atmosphere of ethical behavior throughout your organization† (119). Having good morals is the main key in being an ideal role model for those looking up to you. Being a role model goes hand in hand with leadership skills and standing up for your beliefs and taking action. QUALITIES OF MODERN DAY LEADERS The need to â€Å"fit in† always exists for the youth, and the courage to stand up and lead is hard to do because everyone follows a certain â€Å"model† that decides what’s cool. According to Aurelia, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), conducted a survey analyzing the risk behaviors among teens. According to the survey, peer pressure is directly responsible for an increase in risky behavior – things like cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol and having sex – among teens (Statistics on Peer Pressure). Along with those pressures, the media shows an unrealistic model for young girls to consider the ideal body. Fashion magazines, subway ads, television screens affect and influence girls to lose weight. In result, anorexia and other eating disorders have rocketed in response. Having constant pressure to look a certain way is not something girls should follow such as in magazines or on TV.Show MoreRelatedMarketing Analysis : Diamond Security1576 Words   |  7 Pages DIAMOND SECURITY CONSULTANTS Mohammad Iqbal Saint Leo University FL COM-514 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Diamond Security Consultants provides Cyber Security training and Education to companies specifically in User Awareness training against the social engineering attacks and mechanism in ten countries across the world and expanding specifically in the Middle East. Our offices need to communicate through the professional email account with our business domain and video conferencing onRead MoreSocial Implications of Facebook Essay1439 Words   |  6 Pageslargest social networking site in the world based on monthly unique visitors – attracting 130 million unique visitors every day (Alexa Inc. 2012). The site’s popularity exploded in 2007 and it bypassed its social networking rival, MySpace, in April 2008 (Phillips 2007). Over the last few years Facebook has impacted people’s social lives in various ways. With its availability on modern smart phones, Facebook enables users to continuously stay in touch with friends, relatives and peers wherever they areRead MoreArt History7818 Words   |  32 Pagesshamanism #61607; Monumental architecture • Great Wall, Coliseum o Cradles of Civilization #61607; Cannot trace civilization back any further #61607; All started around same time #61607; Alls started independently #61607; Mesopotamia Ââ€" present day Iraq • Earliest Cradle • Around 4,000BC #61607; Egypt • Around 3,000BC #61607; Southern India • Around 3,000BC #61607; China • Around 2,800BC • Composed of two separated and distinct cradles of civilization • Chapter 2 Ââ€" Egyptian Art Read MoreStrategy Management18281 Words   |  74 Pagesclassic and cutting-edge theory with in-chapter cases and strategy highlights, to demonstrate how companies gain and sustain competitive advantage. The strategic intent for the book is to combine quality and value with user-friendliness. The mental model I used throughout the process of writing and developing the project is Apple Inc.’s innovation approach, which tightly integrates different competencies to launch novel, but highly user-friendly products. I view this book, the different options forRead MoreUse Of Cosmetics And Its Consequences On Women s Rights3995 Words   |  16 PagesIntroduction The research question that is to be addressed is: How has the cultural use of cosmetics affected women’s personal rights in America vs. women’s personal rights in Iran? The internet, editorial articles, and educational articles were used to present an answer to the question. The investigation of the use of cosmetics and its consequences on women’s rights in the United States and Iran will be made. Cosmetic evolution and the manipulation of external features using cosmetological developmentsRead MoreIndian Caste System5772 Words   |  24 Pagesdiscrimination,[3][4][5][6] and the Indian Constitution has outlawed caste-based discrimination, in keeping with the secular, democratic principles that founded the nation.[7] Nevertheless, the caste system, in various forms, continues to survive in modern India because of a combination of political factors and social perceptions and behavior.[8][9] †¢ [edit] History Main article: History of the Indian caste system There is no universally accepted theory about the origin of the Indian caste system.Read MoreMarxism and Communism Christian Communism4953 Words   |  20 Pagesand oppression-free society where decisions on what to produce and what policies to pursue are made democratically, allowing every member of society to participate in the decision-making process in both the political and economic spheres of life. In modern usage, communism is often used to refer to the policies of the various communist states which were authoritarian governments that had ownership of all the means of production and centrally planned economies. Most communist governments based theirRead MoreCRM 1301 Midterm uOttawa Carolyn Gordon Essay10218 Words   |  41 Pagessupernatural forces of good and bad Deviance = sin Cause and cure of deviant behaviour in the realm of the supernatural Deviance has cosmic consequences 1. Harmful to victims 2. God 3. The entire cosmos Two paths to Demonic Deviance Temptation Model: Individuals are tempted and persuaded by the devil Path of position (possession): Individuals lacks choice, not responsible for actions. The solution to this possession is exorcism How to diagnose the Handiwork of the Devil Trial by ordeal: accusedRead MoreCause of Lack of Self Confidence6982 Words   |  28 Pagesagain ness outcomes. It discusstouch on acceptable thinking and acceptable behavior es organizational culture, in an organization. Both the informal and formal def- safety culture, cultural initions highlight the importance of behavior at the change models such as total quality manageindividual level and collectively at the group level. While one would think that a strong organization- ment, six sigma and al culture would be good for an organization, this behavior-based safety, would actually beRead MoreThe Role Of Hrm16574 Words   |  67 PagesPA R T 1 The role of human resource management Part contents 1 Introduction to human resource management 1 2 Human resource planning and resourcing 41 3 Work and job design 74 Chapter 1 Introduction to human resource management LEARNING OUTCOMES After studying this chapter, you should be able to: identify the historical developments and their impact on HRM outline the development and functions of HRM understand the differences between HRM and personnel management

James Baldwin On African Art Essay Example For Students

James Baldwin On African Art Essay The traditional art of Africa plays a major part in the African society. Most ceremonies and activities (such as singing, dancing, storytelling, ect.) can not function without visual art. It can also be used as an implement and insignia of rank or prestige, or have a religious significance.African art consists mainly of sculptures, paintings, fetishes, masks, figures, and decorative objects. Sculptures are considered to be the greatest achievement for African art. A majority of the sculptures are done in wood but are also made of metal, stone, terra-cotta, mud, beadwork, ivory, and other materials. It is found in many parts of Africa but mainly in western and central Africa. Many ancient rock paintings have been found in Southern and Eastern Africa. These paintings are believed to be attributed to the SAN (Bushman) people. Masks and fetishes are often used to scare off bad things such as evil spirits, witches or ghosts. They are also used to bring about a desired end-break a bad habit, improve ones love life, or kill a natural or supernatural enemy. There are three basic themes of African art. The first is the dualism between bush and village. African tribes wear masks and headresses: the male is represented by the elephant, the most powerful of bush creatures and the female is delicately coiffed to express refinement and civilization. The second theme of African art is the problematic relationships between the sexes.African tribes use art as a therapeutic device to deal with the problems and issues dealing with the relations between the sexes. The third theme is the struggle to control natural or supernatural forces to achieve a desired end. African tribes often use masks in ceremonies (called Gelede) to please and honor the forces. For each region in Africa,there is a different style of art. The western Sudanic Region have masks and figures representing legendary ancestors and religious sacrifices. The central Sudanic Region art includes mud architecture, embroidered textiles, elaborate coiffure, metal and beadwork jewelry,and leatherwork. This style usually doesnt represent anything special. The west Guinea Coast Region use masks and figures to police ceremonies,punish people for doing something wrong, settle land-owning problems and start or end wars. The Central Guinea Coast Region art employs aristocratic materials. Specialized artists creature works of art for the leaders that include: stools, drums, cloth, pottery, terra-cotta, figures, miniature masks, combs, mirrors, pipes, and carved musical instruments. African art is traditionally essential and optimistic. Without art, there would be no African culture.

Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest and Development in the Rest of Brazil free essay sample

This issue is clearly a very big impact on peoples lives, not just people who are living in the rainforest, but worldwide. Already 65% of the worlds rainforest had been deforested and Brazil had lost an area the size of Spain in the last 20 years. One third of the worlds remaining rainforests are in the Amazon region. Geologists predict that at once, vast forests covered approximately two-thirds of the Earths surface. Although this number has steadily decreased, it is now doing so at an alarming rate. I will research this by agreeing or disagreeing with the hypothesis, of which is: Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is a major global environmental issue that only the government can solve, do you agree? I predict that my research for this essay will show that the first part of the hypothesis will be true deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is a major global environmental issue. But I think that my research will tend to disagree with the second part of the hypothesis that only the government can solve. The rainforests are being cleared for a number of reasons. New roads are being built to transport timber, cattle and crops to businesses. People have also settled on these roads. The longest road stretches 5300km (3300 miles). Iron, gold and copper have all been discovered in the rainforest. Mining companies have all taken an affect on the Amazon rainforest by felling trees and building roads through the rainforest to reach these high-valued deposits. Huge areas of land have been flooded so they can construct hydro-electric power (HEP) plants in order to generate electricity by harnessing the power of the mighty Amazon River. Cattle-ranching causes arge areas of the rainforest to be destroyed, this has been carried out by multi-national companies (MNCs). The beef from the cattle-ranchers is then cheaply sold to the United States and Europe to make more burgers. The profit which Brazil make (hardly anything) is then paid back to the MEDCs (more economically developed country), who they owe a massive amount of money to-(estimated 225 billion SOURCE G). Exports of Brazilian beef grew 30% un 2001 to $1bn. Another reason is to evenly spread the wealth, so the poor wouldnt be so poor and the rich wouldnt be so rich. The Brazilian government has allowed deforestation to take place in the Amazon rainforest. There are many reasons for this, but he main one being to bring the wealth to the country, (by developing Brazil), by using natural resources. Development seems to be ruining the lives of, but also making life better for some. As well as there being many down-sides to deforestation, there are also many seeking advantages. The most inciting argument for development is to make enough money to pay back Brazils endless debt problem, which has recently decreased in 2001 to 225billion dollars. According to some, this is the only way out of Brazils long-lasting debt problem, even if it means destroying the Amazon rainforest. SOURCE J shows that Brazil had a large debt problem. It states: Brazil has a large trade deficit. This meaning; Brazil is spending more money on imports then exports; therefore they are losing out on money, which leads to more DEBT! This source also says that In the year beginning 1999, Brazil needed to find about $95bn to fund its debt obligations and to pay for its trade deficit. Since 1999 to 2000, Brazils debt problem decreased an estimated $10bn. Since 2000 to 2001 it decreased approximately $50bn. In total $60bn is the decrease in debt. So by the year 2002, it should have gone down by much more, only if development plans continued without any problems arising. SOURCE J is very reliable, as it comes from the BBC (a well known authority) but the source is dated back to 1998 and information may have changed since then. Even so, SOURCE J conveniently links with SOURCE G, which shows the debt problem is $225bn and in SOURCE J it suggested well over $200bn in 2001, which is extremely reliable. SOURCE K is another source linked with SOURCE G. It presents Brazils currency is getting stronger. The exchange rate and trade balance is increasing, therefore Brazil are making more money. Exports had bee the highest at 2001 at $58223bn and imports have gone down, then back up and then back down again to $55582 in 2001. Since 1997 to 2000 there has been more money made on imports then exports (trade deficit), but in 2001 there was $58223bn been made on exports and $55582 (trade surplus). So in 2001 Brazil had gained profit and their external debt also went down to $226,036bn dollars. This also links with SOURCE G regarding debt where its estimated by my reading of $225bn dollars. SOURCE K is definitely not bias but quite the opposite of being extremely reliable, as it matches with SOURCE G and is dated recently in 2001. SOURCE L s also for development. It states that a recent estimate suggested that out of 4million residents of the Amazon, 150,000 (4%) are forcibly evicted from their land each year. But this is just an estimate (a guess) and we dont know who said the statement. The government doesnt support legitimising land rights, therefore someone else should do something about it. The hypothesis says deforestation is a problem that only the government can solve, could this be true? Or could someone else or a group of people make a difference? SOURCE L: The habitat will never be the safe as long as the rural poor (landless people) are neglected. This is being said by Dougless Southgate; we dont know who he is or how important he is. Knowing this and considering that the source comes from an unknown man called Phil Camill, this source is not very reliable. There are many strong arguments against development in Brazil. One of the most brutal one is that Brazils exports rely heavily on slavery, by illegal smuggling of mahogany. Many people are approached by someone, promising them a steady job, good pay, free housing and food. The people of Brazil accept this deal because they have no other way of making money and are desperate. What they dont realise is that they are heading for a life of slavery. They get into trucks that take them far from their homeland and begin to cut down trees. These people who are made into slaves are constantly near armed guards, making it extremely hard to escape. The workers who go to the police for help are helplessly ignored. This is a result of the police being bribed, they are corrupt. All of this resorts to the making of mahogany and cattle-ranching. Furniture companies deny this and say we cannot do the job of the Brazilian government and we have to believe the certification and we have no reason to believe otherwise. These companies only care about their own interests making MONEY! , so they turn a blind eye to the slave labour. The Brazilian government has estimated as much as 80% of Amazon timber comes form illegal sources. The USA is the main importer of Brazilian mahogany. MNCs (Multi-National Companies) buy raw materials such as mahogany, which in the back of their heads, know that they come from illegal areas, but just turn a blind eye on purpose. Logging has only been permitted in 13 designated areas (where its legal). Greenpeace has listed nearly 100 companies it says deal in illegal mahogany to meet a growing demand from the American makers. SOURCE E is very reliable due to the fact that it is recent and comes from and outside perspective-New York. It has factual data and information, which you cant lie about. Science is very important to the world, simply because it explains how we live, die and survive in the world. SOURCE O shows that cutting down trees creates global warming (an increase in temperature). There are four main causes of this: Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and CFC gasses. Trees take in carbon dioxide from the air. When hey die they return it to the air. Across the world, deforestation is increasing by 2% each year. This means that the loss of trees means there are fewer trees to take in carbon dioxide, which leaves more carbon dioxide in the air for humans, which it not good for our body. Methane is mainly produced by agricultural activities. Nitrous oxide is produced by the burning of the rainforests. SOURCE O is extremely reliable as it is from the UN and its not too out of date-1998. SOURCE P shows the population size and carbon dioxide emission of counties. Americas population size of the world total is 4. 7%, yet emits 25% of the world total carbon dioxide. This is the biggest percentage; the least is India with only 3. 6%. America are very responsible for the carbon dioxide compared to their population size. SOURCE O shows carbon dioxide causes approximately 50% of the greenhouse effect ( creates global warming). This means that America are burning more and more fossil fuels (coal and oil mining are the biggest causes of deforestation. SOURCES O and P show the mass effects of deforestation and how it could change the way the whole world lives. Therefore these sources prove the first part of the hypothesis deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is a major global environmental issue. It is definitely a major global issue. The American government signed a contract along with other governments of the world to reduce carbon dioxide, but then turned their back on it. SOURCES O and P are linked together which make them both powerfully reliable, also both are from the information conventions, UN 1998. The American government with other countries signed this contract to reduce carbon dioxide, possibly by cutting down deforestation. This goes against the second part of the hypothesis that only the government can solve deforestation, as not only the Brazilian government could stop deforestation, but so could other powerful authorities. SOURCE F shows that within a year from August 1999, deforestation increased by 15%, but we dont know that this piece of information is reliable. Brazils national institute for space research monitors deforestation via satellite. This showed the total deforested area equalled to 19,836 square kilometres (4 million soccer fields), compared to 17,259 square kilometres from August 1998 to August 1999; (a 13% increase). This clearly shows two sets of data-reliable. The space satellite photos are very reliable, as satellite photos cannot lie. SOURCE F also shows that scientific studies have taken place and showed that the Amazon soil is not suitable for agriculture and cattle-ranching. The biological richness of the region lives only in the standing forest. This statement has come from the scientific studies, which is reliable because science cant lie, although we dont know which scientific study it came from. If there are no plants in the rainforest, the soil will turn into muddy sliders because it rains every half an hour and thisll make a large desert. The title of this source is Greenpeace demands zero deforestation by 2010. Greenpeace is a charity; therefore they dont have any real power. They can say statements, but they cant demand it. The UN has the power to demand it. Although SOURCE F was adapted from Greenpeace, May 2001 (a charity), it is still very reliable. Despite this information, in 2001 deforestation fell 3. 4% when 1. 57million hectares were destroyed compared with 1. 82million hectares in 2000. * The speed of deforestation has doubled in the last 20 years * People predict that the Amazon rainforest will be gone in 20 years. * One third of the worlds oxygen comes from the rainforest. This picture shows a satellite image of the Amazon rainforest being destroyed. This is a extremely reliable image, as satellite images cannot lie. Government actions The government is doing there bit to try and stop the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. SOURCE C: Government to protect 50m acres as environmental reserves (national parks). It is to be protected by environmental laws, and to be preserved and protected for future generations. Before the government let MNCs get into the rainforest, so that they could make money from tax, but it got out of hand and the government could no longer control the multi-national companies. This new plan the government has seems as if it isnt going to work, even thought from this source, the government seems confident enough. Maybe the government is feeling guilty, as they seemed to cause a lot of the problems arising of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, by letting MNCs take over. SOURCE C is neither for or against, it is neutral for sustainable development. The government is building hydro-electric power schemes an energy source thatll keep on running and the process will be cheap once its up and running.