Summary

This document details the Industrial Revolution, a period of major changes in production, and its impact on various aspects of modern societies, such as science, technology, economy, and social institutions. It also discusses the role of political stability, financial resources, transportation, human resources, consumers, and the raw materials and markets in this historic period.

Full Transcript

Lesson 2 Chapter 5: Human Societies The Industrial Societies A- The Industrial Revolution The "Industrial Revolution" is a term that describes the massive changes in production and manufacturing. Historians say that the Industrial Revolution began in the eighteenth and nineteenth century when new in...

Lesson 2 Chapter 5: Human Societies The Industrial Societies A- The Industrial Revolution The "Industrial Revolution" is a term that describes the massive changes in production and manufacturing. Historians say that the Industrial Revolution began in the eighteenth and nineteenth century when new inventions began to influence the development of factories mass production and thus brought an end to the domestic system of production. The Industrial Revolution has helped shape your modern world. Huge changes in aspects of science, technology, society and culture occurred rapidly and lead to significant changes in various social institutions, mining, agriculture, and transport. Thus, it is important to understand the factors and consequences that were involved with the Industrial Revolution in order to gain an understanding of how your world functions today. Imagine and Tell: What the world would be like if the effects of the Industrial Revolution were swept away. For example, electric lights, telephones, and radios were not invented? Think of more examples. As the invention of the plow provided the basic foundations for the Agricultural Revolution, the invention of the steam engine, in place of the muscles of human beings and of animals, provided the basic foundations for the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial mode of production began some 250 years ago in Britain and from there it spread to the entire world. Many factors helped bring about this revolution such as: 1- Political Stability: The English Revolution of 1688 and the triumph of a wealthy middle class brought political stability. 123 Lesson 2 Chapter 5: Human Societies Critical Thinking: What is the role of the political stability in the development of any society? 2- Financial Resources: The availability of money and willingness to invest it in new machines and technology was an important factor. For example, the Bank of England encouraged investment, stability, and economic growth in both the public and private sectors. The National Banking System in Britain, then in Europe, had plenty of money to invest with low interest rates. Critical Thinking: What is the role of the availability of a large surplus of capital along with the willingness to spend it on new technology in the development of any society? 3-Transportation: The development of a superior transportation system helped in getting raw materials to the factories and finished products to markets. 4- The Human Resources: The expansion of population due to new medical technologies, better diet, and better hygiene improved living standards and served to extend life expectancy. This population provided the market with a large labor force for the new industrial factories. 5-The Consumers: The expanding population not only produced low-paid workers, but also provided a steady supply of consumers who bought manufactured goods. 6- Raw Materials and New Markets: Britain's colonial empire provided raw materials for the factories as well as more markets for their goods. 124 Lesson 2 Chapter 5: Human Societies B- The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Societies During the Industrial Revolution, the social structure of the western societies changed dramatically. In this lesson you will analyze two examples. A- Negative Impact: Child Labor Before the Industrial Revolution: Most people lived in small villages, working either in agriculture or as skilled craftsmen. They lived and worked as a family, doing everything by hand and consumed food from their farms or from the neighboring farms. During the Industrial Revolution: The advent of industrialization had left many poor farmers unemployed and without money. As a result, women and children, as young as eight years old, were sent out to work, making up 75% of early workforce. The factory owners were willing to employ children for the following reasons: 1- Children were paid very little 2- Children could be controlled more easily than adults 3- Children had smaller hands, which were often needed to reach in among the parts of a machine. In addition, they had small bodies to get more coal and ore from the deep and very often unsafe pits 4- Children could also be forced to work as long as eighteen hours each day Understanding Primary and Secondary Resources: The Impact of the Industrial Revolution When the Industrial Revolution took place, large amounts of farmers and people left their villages and farms to work in factories and lived in the cities. 125 Lesson 2 Chapter 5: Human Societies Secondary Source: Read the following paragraph from a novel describing the farmers' expectations of the new life during the Industrial Revelation. "Many thought they were coming to a wonderful new job and life, but a lot of people's hopes were dashed when they arrived and saw that it was not as grand as it was made out. You were expected to work long hours, doing very hard work with little pay. Many children never received any education because their family needed the income from their work to live." (Source: A Fragile Design by Judith McCoy Miller) Primary Sources: Study the painting and the picture below. Then discuss the negative impacts of the Industrial Revolution on the social life. Figure 5.4: Country life Source: ‘At the Cottage Door’ By Myles Birket Foster a Famous English watercolor artist (1850) 126 Lesson 2 Chapter 5: Human Societies Figure 5.5: Textile mill Children labor in spinning machinery 1890 Positive Impact: The Impact of Technology Three industrial developments led the way to industrialization in America and Europe: (1) Transportation was expanded (2) Electricity was effectively harnessed (3) Improvements were made to industrial processes. Read the list of key events and dates of the Industrial Revolution. 127 Lesson 2 Chapter 5: Human Societies Person Invention Date James Watt First reliable Steam Engine 1775 Eli Whitney Cotton Gin, Interchangeable parts for muskets 1793 1798 Robert Fulton Regular Steamboat service on the Hudson River 1807 Samuel F. B. Morse Telegraph 1836 Elias Howe Sewing Machine 1844 Isaac Singer Improves and markets Howe's Sewing Machine 1851 Cyrus Field Transatlantic Cable 1866 Alexander Graham Bell Telephone 1876 Thomas Edison Phonograph, Incandescent Light Bulb 1877, 1879 Nikola Tesla Induction Electric Motor 1888 Rudolf Diesel Diesel Engine 1892 Orville and Wilbur Wright First Airplane 1903 Model T Ford, Assembly Line 1908, 1913 Henry Ford Figure 5.6: Key events and dates of the Industrial Revolution 128 Lesson 2 Chapter 5: Human Societies People and Technology: Discuss with your partner how each invention below changed the life of people. Figure 5.8: Steamboat service on the Hudson River 1807 Figure 5.7: Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone 1876 Figure 5.9: Wright Brothers Airplane 1903 129 Lesson 3 Chapter 5: Human Societies The Family as a Social Institution Discussion: Discuss the following questions with your partner. 1-Why is the family considered as the foundation of society? 2-Why do we need families? A-Introduction A family is the basic social unit. It represents people living together by ties of marriage, blood or adaptations. Family is the first social environment introduced to the child; it is viewed as an environment that has a strategic role on child development. Families also have a responsibility towards promoting the well being of the community and whole society. B- Family Diversity Family structures vary from society to society or from culture to culture. Family diversity means that there are many different types of families in human societies. In this lesson you will learn about different types of families on the basis of size or structure. The Nuclear Family This is limited to two generations of a mother, father and child or children. The nuclear family is the most common form of family existing throughout the western world. The Extended Family In this type of family generations are added on to the nuclear family. Extended families may include grandparents and/or aunts and uncles. Before the industrial revolution people commonly 130 Lesson 3 Chapter 5: Human Societies lived in large extended families. Then families became nuclear to fit in with the needs of industry. There are two types of extended family: 1. The vertically extended family 2. The horizontally extended family The Vertically Extended Family When relatives from at least three generations live together in the same house or compound, the family that comes into being is said to be vertically extended. A typical vertically extended family consists of a married couple, one or more of their married children and their children. Vertically extended families were, and still are, common in countries of Asia and Africa. The Horizontally Extended Family A horizontally extended family tends to occur when two or more married brothers live together with their wives and children. The family is extended across the same generation: that of the brothers. In many instances, families may be extended both horizontally and vertically, giving rise to large groups of related kin. About You: Do you live in a nuclear family or an extended family? Critical Thinking: In the past there were more extended families than there are today. Give reasons. Other Variations in Family Type There are other variations in family type which are not nuclear or extended. Some examples are described below. 131 Lesson 3 Chapter 5: Human Societies 1-A Single Parent Family As the name implies, it is a family where there is only one parent and his or her children. In most cases of this type of family, it consists of a woman and her children. 2-A Sibling Family This is a family in which the siblings (a group of brothers and sisters) live together without any parent being present. This type of family may occur through the death of both parents. 3-A Foster Family This type of family may consist of a man and a woman who are raising children other than their own. The children may or may not be related to the adult male or adult female. The children may also not be biologically related to each other. There are a high number of foster families in western countries due to separations, divorces and adoptions of children. Individuals may pass through more than one of these family types during their lifetime. For example, a young person may have the experience of moving from a nuclear to a single parent family due to parents divorce or due to the death of one parent. Discussion: Identify and describe two types of family that can be found in your society today. 132 Lesson 3 Chapter 5: Human Societies C-The Function of the Family The function of anything is the job that it does. Societies need families because they do a special job. Think: What is the main job that a family does? Family provides its members with shelter, nourishment, protection, social interaction and emotional intimacy. Families carry out important roles of providing physical, emotional and economic support to the members of the society. A-The Physical Functions of the Family The family plays a very important positive role in raising the next generation. Think: Many animals can help themselves survive within hours or weeks of birth; they can run or hide. 1-At what age can children live on their own? 2-What are the basic physical needs of young children? 3-Describe ways that a family can assist these basic physical needs. 1- The Reproductive Function One of the primary functions of the family is to produce children to ensure that the society's population will be maintained. 133 Lesson 3 Chapter 5: Human Societies 2- The Socialization Function About You: Are you pressured by your family to act in a certain way? Socialization is the process by which we learn from others about how to behave in the society we live in. The process of socialization begins shortly after birth, as parents try to teach the child how to turn babbling sounds into language. They then try to instill in the child the culture, attitudes, values, skills, and knowledge that will govern his/her behavior throughout later life. Socialization helps us to learn what kind of behavior, norms, and values are acceptable in our society. Family plays a critical role in passing on the culture, values and norms of the society from one generation to the next. Think: Why is it important to raise well behaved children? Explain: The most important people involved in raising a child are the family members. 3-The Economical Function of the Family The family, as a unit, looks after the welfare of its members by making sure they are fed, clothed, housed and protected. This can take many forms in all societies. Family is the primary economic unit in a traditional society. You have learned that in hunting societies, women forage for most of the food and men hunt to provide extra protein foods. In farming societies, all the family members work to help produce food. In some families, only the father goes out to work, in others both parents work. 134 Lesson 3 Chapter 5: Human Societies In some societies, quite young children under the age of 10, as the case in Britain after the industrial revelation, are engaged in earning wages which are an important part of their family's income. Today child labor is deplored by the United Nations, the International Labor Organization and other international bodies. Activity: Point of View Jewson, a famous sociologist, identified some core family values as follows: 1-The nuclear family of two married parents and biological children is the normal family. 2-The woman cares and nurtures while the man brings in economic earnings. 3-The family should look after one another in times of ill health, old age and lack of work. (Jewson, 1994) 1- For Jewson, two in a legal married relationship with their biological children is the ideal type of family. According to him, this form of family structure will produce stable adults. What do you think? 2-For Jewson, there is no need for women to go out to work when there is a child to nurture. What do you think? 3- It is the state's responsibility to help the ill, the old, and the unemployed. What do you think? 135 Lesson 4 Chapter 5: Human Societies The Family in Constitutions of the World “The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State” - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 16 (3), December 10, 1948. Family is found all over the world and at all levels of culture. There is no conclusive or convincing evidence that there ever was a time when this institution did not exist. The concern for the family institution is recognized at a global, regional and national level. Family issues have been covered in several global platforms including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations (UN), and at regional and country levels. The general aims of the International and National policies concerning family 1-To enable the families to function as the basic foundation in society 2-To enable the families to develop sustainable livelihoods in the face of global and regional challenges 3-To enable the parents to balance the demands of the work place and their responsibilities to the family Case Study One: Africa At the regional level, the “Plan of Action on the Family in Africa” seeks to strengthen the family by focusing on selected priority areas for action. 136 Lesson 4 Chapter 5: Human Societies With regards to strengthening families, reference is made to the National Children’s Policy, which states that: “Children’s development is influenced by the availability of family resources, including nutrition, health care, and an adequate income. Strong family relationships that support and model positive behaviour help to create an environment where children feel safe, protected, nurtured and empowered.” According to the African policy above, what are the roles of the family? Family conditions determine the well-being of the child. Explain. Case Study Two: The Kingdom of Bahrain Chapter 2, Article 5 a. The family is the basis of society, deriving its strength from religion, morality and love of the homeland. The law preserves its lawful entity, strengthens its bonds and values, under its aegis extends protection to mothers and children, tends the young and protects them from exploitation and safeguards them against moral, bodily and spiritual neglect. The State cares in particular for the physical, moral and intellectual development of the young. b. The State guarantees reconciling the duties of women towards the family with their work in society, and their equality with men in political, social, cultural, and economic spheres without breaching the provisions of Islamic canon law (Shari’a). According to Bahrain policy, what are the sources of the family strength? 137 Lesson 4 Chapter 5: Human Societies What are the rights of women that the Kingdom of Bahrain's government guarantees? Case Study Three: Kuwait Part 2 / Article 10 The State cares for the young and protects them from exploitation and from moral, physical and spiritual neglect. According to Kuwait's policy, what does the state protect children from? Case Study Four: Qatar Chapter 2 / Article 21 The family is the nucleus of society. Its pillars are the religion, morals, and love of the homeland. The law regulates the means capable of its protection, maintaining its structure, strengthening its ties, and safeguarding motherhood, childhood, and old age within its framework. According to Qatar policy, what are the pillars of the family? Case Study Five: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Article 9 The family is the nucleus of Saudi society, and its members are raised on the basis of the Islamic creed and obedience to the almighty Allah, The prophet (Peace be upon him) and rulers, respect for the system, love of the homeland and pride of its history. According to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's policy, what are the bases that a family should raise its children on? 138 Lesson 4 Chapter 5: Human Societies Case Study Six: Sudan Part 1/Article 14 The State shall care for children and youth and protect them against exploitation and physical and spiritual neglect, and shall direct policies of education, moral care, national guidance and spiritual cleansing to raise a good generation. According to Sudan's policy, what is the role of the state concerning family? Case Study Seven: Egypt Article 11 The State shall guarantee the proper coordination between the duties of woman towards the family and her work in the society, considering her equal with man in the fields of political, social, cultural and economic life without violation of the rules of Islamic jurisprudence. Critical Thinking: Why is it important that the state should support women to balance the demands of the work place and their responsibilities to the family? Case Study Eight: Syria Chapter 1, Part 4/Article 44 (2) The state protects and encourages marriage and will eliminate the material and social obstacles hampering marriage. The state protects mothers and infants and extends care to adolescents and youths and provides them with the suitable circumstances to develop their faculties. 139 Lesson 4 Chapter 5: Human Societies Critical Thinking: Why should the state encourage marriage? -Mention some ways that a state can encourage marriage. Case Study Nine: United Arab Emirates Article 16 Society shall be responsible for protecting childhood and motherhood and shall protect minors and others unable to look after themselves for any reason, such as illness or incapacity or old age or forced unemployment. It shall be responsible for assisting them and enabling them to help themselves for their own benefit and that of society. Such matters shall be regulated by Public Assistance and Social Security legislation. -What are the reasons that may make one unable to look after himself/ herself? -In addition to the state's legislations, how can the society protect childhood and motherhood? Case Study Ten: Greece Part 2, Article 21 1. The family, being the cornerstone of the preservation and the advancement of the Nation, as well as marriage, motherhood and childhood, shall be under the protection of the State. 2. Families with many children, disabled war and peace-time veterans, war victims, widows and orphans, as well as persons suffering from incurable bodily or mental ailments are entitled to the special care of the State. 140 Lesson 4 Chapter 5: Human Societies According to Greece's policy, who are the social groups that are entitled to the special care of the State? From the above mentioned examples, you can learn that all the case studied recognize the family as the basis of society and it should be protected by law. Class Discussion: Families and Persons with Disabilities Regarding persons with disabilities, and to foster respect for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities; Article 23 of the UN Convention, entitled “Respect for home and the family”, focuses on family and family issues. Below is one of the issues that the States Parties agreed to: "Ensure that a child with disabilities shall not be separated from his or her family against their will, except when, subject to laws and judicial review, it is determined necessary for the best interests of the child" (Sources: United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, accessed at http://www.un.org/esa/ socdev/enable/convent ioninfo.htm) 1-Why is it important for a child with disabilities, as any other child, to stay with his or her family most of the time? 2-When is it necessary for the government to take a child with disabilities from his or her family? 3-How can a state help families who have persons with disabilities? 141 Lesson 5 Chapter 5: Human Societies Challenges Facing Families A-Introduction The social and economic life in the twenty-first century is very different from what it has been in the history of humankind. Today, families are facing unique challenges that were unknown years ago. In this lesson you will learn about some of these challenges which are having significant impact on the ability of families to fulfill their roles. B-Changes in the Role and Function of Women Women today are no longer regarded as the inferior sex. Their status in society has risen and they enjoy more equality and economic independence. The traditional role of women, as mothers and wives only, has begun to lose importance. Both husband and wife have a role to play and start living on equal terms. -Do women usually work after they get married in your country? Women’s economic and social empowerment affects the ways families function with respect to child care and family relationships. Millions of working mothers are feeling a conflict between the time spent at home and their work demands. Activity: The Role of Men in Childcare and Housework Read the two statements cited from the UNO report in the occasion of International Day of Families, May 14, 2009. Statement One: "Research shows that when fathers are involved in the lives of their children, children’s social and emotional development benefit and they often perform better in school and have healthier relationships as adults." 142 Lesson 5 Chapter 5: Human Societies Statement Two: "Experience reflects that positive engagement as caregivers and fathers is good for men themselves. Men who are involved in meaningful ways with their children report this relationship to be one of their most important sources of well-being and happiness." 1- Men and boys need to help around the house if gender equality is to be achieved. What do you think? 2- Men’s participation in domestic chores, including child care, is positive for women, freeing up time for them to work outside the home, to study or to pursue activities for themselves and their households. What do you think? C-Consumerism Consumerism refers to the consumption of goods at a higher rate. In today's world the person’s standard of living is valued by his or her material possessions. People's lifestyles have changed in the sense they are full of material comforts rather than focusing on simplicity. Modern societies are evolving to a more materialistic degree. In a consumer society, people purchase goods, use them, throw them away, and replace them with newer ones. Many consumers run out of room in their homes to store the things that they buy. The youth of today have grown to be more dependent on what they want and not what they really need. Material prosperity may be there in consumerism but, it has its negative effects on the family and the society at large. 143 Lesson 5 Chapter 5: Human Societies 1-Family relationships get affected as parents are busy trying to earn more money to maintain their standard of living. 2-Family psychological health can also be affected if the members' desires are not satisfied, then they feel dissatisfied and forced to cope with stress and tension. Therefore, the potential negative effects that may emerge from new lifestyles need to be realized by the family. It is the role of the family to enforce more concrete and realistic values in their children and to have their children grow up in an environment that does not rely on unnecessary goods. D- Globalization Discussion Questions: Discuss the following questions with your partner: 1-What is globalization? 3-How has globalization affected your life? Globalization indicates that the world today is more interconnected than before. Globalization directly and indirectly affects family's intellectual, cultural, economic or social life. Read the examples below to understand the positive and negative impacts of globalization on family life. Example One: Social Impact Discussion Question: Discuss the following questions with your partner: 1-What do you think of the concept of a global village? 144 Lesson 5 Chapter 5: Human Societies 2-What are some food traditions or specific ingredients that are special to your society? Many associations are formed between food and identity. The English, for example, are associated with fish and chips, Americans with hamburgers, and Italians with pizza. The economic nature of globalization encourages nations, businesses and individuals to become integrated into the global market. In today's market all sorts of food products are traded and eaten around the world, from burgers in China to pizza in Germany. The Positive Effects of Globalization: The world is becoming a smaller place. People are exposed to cultural diversity and can share and appreciate different human experiences. About You: How often do you eat at fast food restaurants? Which ones do you prefer and why? The Negative Effects of Globalization: Fast food chains are spreading in the developing world. People, especially young people, are consuming more junk food from these chains which has an adverse impact on their health. Example Two: Economical Impact Discussion Question: Discuss the following question with your partner: 1. What products do you use that were not made in your country? The Positive Effects of Globalization: Increased market competition forces companies to lower prices. Families enjoy the benefit of lower costs. 145 Lesson 5 Chapter 5: Human Societies The Negative Effects of Globalization: Increased job competition has led to a reduction in wages and consequently lower standards of living. Many parents are suffering from job insecurity. Now many parents live in constant dread of losing their jobs to competition. Example Three: National Identity and the Global Culture Discussion Questions: Discuss the following questions with your partner: 1-What do you think is interesting about your culture? 2-Why do you think culture is important? 3-What movies, songs or books do you enjoy that were not produced in your country? The most significant challenge of globalization is that it transforms one’s identity to a global identity. Young people today develop an identity that gives them a sense of belonging to a worldwide culture. Media, especially the Internet, play an important part in developing this global identity. However, various young people respond very differently to the images and messages of the media. When we talk about global culture, we refer to those cultural elements which shape the common way of life of human societies through the process of globalization. Some of the global culture effects are positive while others may be negative. The Positive Effects of Global Culture: The anti-smoking movement is one of the positive effects of the global culture. Increased media coverage draws the attention of the world to human right violations. This leads to improvement in human rights. 146 Lesson 5 Chapter 5: Human Societies Find Out: What is the best/most important thing your culture/ country has adopted from another culture? The Negative Effects of Global Culture: The inappropriate use of Internet sources and other communications technologies have profoundly and negatively impacted the family culture, values and traditions. With this new global identity families face a challenge of having their children retain and develop their local identity and to have deep rooted traditional values. Identity confusion among young people may be reflected in problems such as depression. Family is a key element in shaping our youth's personality. In dealing with the relations between globalization and cultural features, many families go to two extremes, either full Westernization or overemphasis on their tradition. The integration of one's traditional culture with the positive global culture is of key importance to families in facing globalization. 147 Lesson 148 Chapter 5: Human Societies Chapter Six: Effects of Humans on the Environment About the Chapter Earth is not the only planet in the universe but it surely is the only one that you can live on. You are lucky to be the inhabitants of this planet. Islam teaches that Muslims have a responsibility to protect the environment, as stewards of the Earth that Almighty Allah created. Human beings have become the predominant destructive force on Earth. Your major role in this life is to be responsible for this planet. This unit puts a spotlight on environmental issues that are caused by a natural or non-natural phenomenon. Chapter 6 Environmental Issues Lesson 1: Deforestation Lesson 2: Acid Rain Lesson Lesson 11 Chapter Chapter6:6:Environmental EnvironmentalIssues Issues Deforestation Deforestation Look Lookatatthe thepicture picturebelow. below.What Whathappened happenedininarea areaA? A? Which Whicharea areaisismore morebeautiful? beautiful? BB AA Why Whyare aretrees treesimportant? important? Trees Treesare areone oneofofthe themost mostimportant importantresources resourcesofofour ourEarth. Earth.Trees Trees are areimportant importanttotothe theenvironment, environment,animals, animals,and andfor forhumans. humans.They They are areimportant importantfor forthe theclimate climateofofthe theEarth, Earth,as asthey theyact actas asfilters filters ofofcarbon carbondioxide. dioxide.Forests Forestsare areknown knownas ashabitats habitatsand andshelters shelterstoto millions millionsofofspecies. species. Unfortunately, Unfortunately,the thetrees treeson onour ourplanet planetare aredisappearing disappearingatataavery very fast fastrate. rate.This Thissituation situationisisaaresult resultofofdeforestation. deforestation. 151 151 Lesson 1 Chapter 6: Environmental Issues A-What is Deforestation? Deforestation refers to the cutting, clearing, and removal of forest or related ecosystems into less bio-diverse ecosystems such as pastures, croplands and plantations. B-What are the Causes of Deforestation? The removal of the forests is occurring due to various reasons. Below are some common causes of deforestation: 1-Urban Construction People cut down trees for their lumber that is used for building materials, furniture, and paper products. Forests are also cleared to accommodate expanding urban areas. These actions results in the loss of forest area and massive deforestation. 2-Agriculture Forests are also cut down to clear land for building farms and growing crops. 3-Grazing Land Since huge herds of animals require food, forests are cut down in order to create land for grazing cattle. 4-Fuel Trees are cut down in developing countries to be used as firewood for cooking and heating purposes. 5-Commercial Purposes Some of the other causes of deforestation are the clearing of forests for commercial purposes such as oil and mining exploitation and highways and road constructions. 152 Lesson 1 Chapter 6: Environmental Issues C-What are the Consequences of Deforestation? There are a number of negative effects of deforestation, that include environmental and economical. Some of these negative effects are discussed below: Environmental Impacts: 1- Loss of biodiversity that a forest provides such as plants, insects, and animals 2- Loss of habitat: Deforestation disturbs the animals’ habitat and may force them to migrate or they are pushed to extinction. 3-Soil erosion occurs when trees and plants are removed; the rain water washes the nutrients in the top soil away. Also when forest areas are cleared, it results in exposing the soil to the sun, making it very dry and eventually, infertile and unsuitable for cultivation. 4- Climate change: As more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, the effects of Global Warming will increase. Social Impacts: Loss of culture: People who live in the forest depend on the natural environment for food, shelter, materials for cooking, clothing, etc. If the forest is cut down or if the environment becomes polluted from oil extraction and mining, people who live in the forest will lose their farmland or the forest resources that they depend on. As a result, they are forced to move or risk starvation and sickness. How about You You can stop or at least lessen the amount of deforestation and conserve the forest’s natural resources such as wood. Read the following tips. 153 Lesson 1 Chapter 6: Environmental Issues 1-Always use both sides of paper when writing, drawing, photo-copying, faxing, etc. 2-Recycle paper and buy paper products such as notebook paper, paper towels, toilet paper, and books which are made from recycled paper. 3-Use pencils until they are stubs. 4-Encourage your parents, relatives, and friends to buy furniture and wood that is legally cut-down. 154 Lesson 1 Chapter 6: Environmental Issues Activity: Brazilian Amazon has been experiencing accelerated rates of deforestation. It is noted as the highest area of deforestation in the world with a total loss of 600,000 km2 of rainforest since 1970. There are main contributing factors to deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon as illustrated in the graph below. Study the graph below. Then answer the following questions. Cattle Ranches Small Scale Agriculture Large Scale Agriculture Logging (legal & illegal) Fires, Dams, Mining, etc Figure 6.1: Causes of Deforestation in the Amazon (2000-2005) 1-Why is the Brazilian Amazon being destroyed? 2-What is the direct result of most deforestation (60-70%) in the Brazilian Amazon? 3-Where does the majority (33%) of the remaining deforestation comes from? 155 Lesson 1 Chapter 6: Environmental Issues Amazon Forests are home to the largest collection of living plant and animal species in the world. Look at the picture below. What will happen to the beautiful birds on the picture, if the trees, you can see on the picture, are removed? Figure 6.2: Amazon Rain Forests 156 Lesson 2 Chapter 6: Environmental Issues Acid Rain A- Acid Rain Formation There are two main air pollutants that factories produce, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx). These pollutants also come from burning fossil fuels, coal-fired generators making electricity, and petrol driven motor vehicles. When these pollutants drift into the atmosphere and combine with rain or snow they form acid rain, snow and dust as shown in the diagram below. Figure 6.2: Acid rain formation Study the diagram and explain how acid rain is formed. 157 Lesson 2 Chapter 6: Environmental Issues B-The Effects of Acid Rain Study the diagram below and explain the effects of acid rain. Figure 6.3: Acid rain effects Acid rain is rain that is polluted by acid in the atmosphere. It damages the health of people and the environment. Below are some effects of acid rain. 1-Acid Rain Can Cause Health Problems Air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic bronchitis, or can make these diseases worse. 2-Acid Rain Harms Forests When acid rain seeps into the ground, it can dissolve nutrients, 158 Lesson 2 Chapter 6: Environmental Issues such as magnesium and calcium that trees need to be healthy. Acid rain also increases aluminum in the soil. Aluminum makes it difficult for trees to take up water. Trees that are located in high regions are at a greater risk because they are exposed to acidic clouds and fog, which contain greater amounts of acid than rain or snow. The acidic clouds and fog strip important nutrients from their leaves and needles. This loss of nutrients makes it easier for infections, insects, and cold weather to damage trees and forests. 3-Acid Rain Damages Lakes and Streams Aluminum that is released into the soil by acid rain or melted acid snow ends up in lakes and streams. The increase in acidity and aluminum levels in lakes and streams can kill aquatic wildlife. 4-Acid Rain Damages Buildings and Objects Acid rain can also attack many objects, including buildings, statues, monuments, and cars. This attack has had a damaging effect on these objects. The chemicals found in acid rain can cause paint to peel and stone statues to begin to appear old and worn down, which reduces their value and beauty. How about You You can stop or at least lessen the amount of acid rain in the atmosphere. Read the following tips. 1-You can help by turning off lights, computers and other appliances when they’re not being used. 2-You can help by buying energy efficient appliances which use less electricity. 3- You can help by using alternative energy sources such as wind energy, geothermal energy, and solar energy that will reduce the pollutants caused by electricity generation. 159 TERMS AND VOCABULARY Biodiversity: The variety of genes, species, and ecosystems in a region. Climate change: A term used to refer to all forms of climatic inconsistency, but especially to significant change from one prevailing climatic condition to another. Deforestation: The net removal of trees from forested land. Diversity: The number of species in an area. A community has a high degree of diversity if it contains many species of equal abundance. Ecosystem: The complex set of relationships among living resources, habitats, and residents of a region. An ecosystem includes people, wildlife, fish, shellfish, plants, wetlands, water, and any other living and non-living things. Ecosystem services: The beneficial outcomes for the natural environment or for people, that result from ecosystem functions. Some examples of ecosystem services are support of the food chain, harvesting of animals or plants, clean water, or scenic views. Environment: The surroundings in which an organization operates, including air, water, land, natural resources, flora, fauna and humans. Desertification: The transformation of arable or habitable land to desert.

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser