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You have been asked to look at Ireland and the issue of overfishing. You must use the resources in this Padlet as well as doing your own research under the following headings - Heart, hands and head. You will focus on the economic imapcts as well as the environemental effects of overfishing on Ireland

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Food chain

Eco-system

Exploited

Bycatch

Quota

Trade

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You have been asked to look at China and the issue of water pollution. You must use the resoucres in this Padlet as well as your own research to create a summary of the issue under the following headings - Heart, head, hands. You will focus on the economic impacts as well as the environmental effects of water pollution in China.

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You have been asked to look at Brazil and the issue of deforestation. You must use the resoucres in this Padlet as well as your own research to create a summary of the issue under the following headings - Heart, head, hands. You will focus on the economic impacts (jobs, effect on GDP) as well as the environmental effects (animals lose home, increase in CO2 emissions) of deforestation in Brazil

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Video - what is overfishing - the impact on economies and eco-systems

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Video - what is overfishing - the impact on economies and eco-systems

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Will the ocean ever run out of fish? - Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Jennifer Jacquet

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The value of the Irish seafood economy increased to €1.3 billion in GDP terms last year, an increase of 4% compared to 2021. This was largely driven by an increase in domestic consumption of seafood in Ireland in the foodservices sector as well higher prices, both domestically and on the main export markets. There was also a significant increase in Government investment in 2022 as funding under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve began to come on stream.

The Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Business of Seafood report launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D today (18 April 2023) reveals a 10% increase in Government investment (€255 million) in 2022 that include the opening of several Brexit Adjustment Reserve schemes to support the industry in the latter half of the year.

Speaking at the launch event earlier today, Minister McConalogue referred to the significant challenges facing the industry in 2022, including the conflict in Ukraine, which led to rising energy costs as well as reduced quotas and difficult trading conditions with the UK in the aftermath of Brexit.

"Following from the economic shocks in 2020 and 2021 from the global pandemic and Brexit, 2022 brought with it a new set of challenges created by the war in Ukraine. This has seen energy prices rise to unprecedented levels and created a difficult trading environment for the whole seafood sector adding to challenges brought on by Brexit. However, the industry has once again shown is resilience to such shocks and continues to be a key socio-economic driver in coastal communities, employing more than 15,000 people. I recognise the pressure those working in the industry have faced in the last year, and that is why I have delivered significant funding under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to assist the sector."

The report reveals how market inflation has resulted in strong price growth for Irish seafood, particularly wild caught fish. The value of the overall Irish seafood sector increased by 13% to €703 million, while the overall value of Irish aquaculture products increased by 10% to €196 million.

Dublin Bay Prawns surpassed mackerel as the most valuable wild caught species for the industry, having more than doubled in price (+53%) in 2022. Irish rock oysters (+8%) and rope grown mussels (+7%) all benefitted from strong price growth last year within the aquaculture sector.

Caroline Bocquel, CEO BIM, also acknowledged the enduring strength of those working in the seafood industry and noted that it played a vital role in coastal communities in Ireland.

"The strong reputation of Irish seafood is evident in the figures released in this latest Business of Seafood report. Last year saw significant market volatility and disruption, following so soon after Covid and Brexit. The dedication and resilience of those working in the industry is reflected in the increased value of the sector as a whole. BIM remains steadfast in its commitment to support industry to navigate the fast-changing global landscape."

While the volume of seafood produced by the Irish sector didn't match previous years , there was very strong price growth, particularly in the sea-caught fish sector, which saw prices increase by 38%. During 2022, a total of €507 million worth of seafood was landed at Irish ports, which was a 14% increase on 2021 in value terms.

Killybegs in Co Donegal was the State's largest fishing port in 2022 by value, with landings worth €135 million, closely followed by Castletownbere in Co Cork, with €129 million worth of catch landed. The value of landings also increased significantly in the ports of Ros an Mhil, Clogherhead and Greencastle, As a result of higher prices for whitefish and prawns.

The sector employed about 15,300 people in 2022, with 1,993 registered vessels, over 100 seafood processors and just under 300 aquaculture sites. More than 8,200 people are directly employed in the sector, with a further 7,100 jobs supporting the sector indirectly.

The top-selling species on the Irish market during the year were salmon (€119 million) and cod (€44 million). Organic salmon was the top species produced by the aquaculture sector - accounting for 13,500 tonnes worth €124 million - while Dublin Bay Prawns were the top species landed by the Irish fleet, accounting for 6,200 tonnes with a value of €82 million.

The 2022 Business of Seafood report is available for download by visiting here

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Ireland's seafood economy worth €1.3 billion in 2022, despite volatile year - BIM

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The value of the Irish seafood economy increased to €1.3 billion in GDP terms last year, an increase of 4% compared to 2021. This was largely driven by an increase in domestic consumption of seafood in Ireland in the foodservices sector as well higher prices, both domestically and on the main export markets.

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Overfishing is the greatest pressure globally on marine ecosystems. Overfishing occurs when more fish are caught than the population can replace through natural reproduction. Overfishing, along with the associated damage that commercial fisheries cause to marine habitats, is drastically changing marine ecosystems. Overfishing in combination with other man-made pressures like climate change and plastic pollution are reducing the resilience of marine ecosystems, undermining their ability to support commercial fisheries and sequester carbon. More than 30 percent of the world's fisheries have been pushed beyond their biological limits, while many predatory species like sharks and tuna are threatened.

As industrial fisheries compete with seabirds for fish it is not surprising that the overfishing is contributing to the collapse of many seabird populations globally. Seabirds are now the threatened bird group with a 70 per cent community-level population decline in the past seven decades. In Ireland many seabird species are in serious trouble with Atlantic Puffin and Black-legged Kittiwake having had their conservation status downgraded to vulnerable by the IUCN in recent years.

Within the European Union the realisation that overfishing must end resulted in the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) entering into force in 2014. The CFP laid out a clear timeframe to end overfishing and set fishing quotas in line with scientific advice by 2015 where possible and, on a progressive, incremental basis at the latest by 2020. Despite this, overfishing continues due to the reluctance of the EU fisheries ministers to follow scientific advice when agreeing fishing limits.

Ever since the initiation of the reformed CFP, Ireland has consistently been one of the worst offenders in Europe when it comes to overfishing. This is demonstrated by the findings of the New Economics Foundation who have analysed the quotas set by EU countries fishing in the North East Atlantic between 2001 and 2020.

On average, quotas were set 24% above scientific advice in Ireland's favour, putting Ireland second only to Spain in terms of the percentage of quotas above scientifically advised levels for sustainable limits over a 20-year period.

From 2001 to 2020 Ireland set at total of 765,000 tonnes of quota above scientific advice.

Overfishing has and will continue to reduce the amount of fish in our seas, costing coastal communities jobs and putting our marine environment under terrible pressure. It has been estimated that by setting quotas in accordance with scientific advice landings in Ireland would increase by 200,000 tonnes and €200 million in value compared to 2014. This would translate into greater profits, higher wages, and more jobs. Sustainable fisheries are not just a moral or legal obligation but are the greatest opportunity available for us as an island nation to grow Ireland's blue economy.

BirdWatch Ireland work to ensure that Ireland transitions to sustainable fisheries management through our ongoing engagement with government, fishing industry and environmental stakeholders in Ireland and across the EU. As an island nation Ireland has huge potential to benefit sea life and coastal communities through marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management.

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Overfishing is the greatest pressure globally on marine ecosystems. Overfishing occurs when more fish are caught than the population can replace through natural reproduction. Overfishing, along with the associated damage that commercial fisheries cause to marine habitats, is drastically changing marine ecosystems. Overfishing in combination with other man-made pressures like climate change and plastic pollution are reducing the resilience of marine ecosystems, undermining their ability to support commercial fisheries and sequester carbon.

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Impact of The Trade and Cooperation Agreement on Irelands economy 

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Impact of The Trade and Cooperation Agreement on Irelands economy 

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Irish fishermen say they have been "sacrificed" for the post-Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

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Irish fishermen say they are being "sacrificed" for the post-Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Known as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, it came into force in 2021, and obliges European vessels to progressively transfer to the UK part of their quota shares for certain fish stocks in the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.

For Ireland's fishing industry, this means a 15% cut to its quotas by 2025, and a projected annual loss of €43 million, making Ireland one of the worst affected countries by this deal.

"It's a death blow," says John Nolan, the manager of the fisherman's co-op in the southwest village of Castletownbere.

He reckons that 25% to 30% of his staff will be made redundant as a result over the next two years.

Decommissioning of vessels

Dubbed the 'whitefish capital' of Ireland, Castletownbere could see 19 of its ships decommissioned, as part of a plan approved in the summer of 2022, by the Irish government, with the help of the EU.

According to Charlie McConalogue, Minister of the Marine, the scheme will help "restore balance between fishing fleet capacity and available quotas, following the reductions in quotas for stocks arising from the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement."

Of the country's 180 whitefish vessels, 64 have reportedly applied for decommissioning.

Skipper Daniel Healy is one of the applicants, but he has yet to receive the government's offer for his boat, the Robyn R.J., which is named after his three children. After a life at sea and years of promising catches, Daniel tells Euronews that his industry "just isn't in a very good place at the moment. It's on a slippery slope and we just don't know where it's going to stop."

"Quotas have been cut year on year, there's very little increase in quotas, it's just down and down and down, especially since Brexit," Daniel adds, wondering if he'll ever take his boat out again.

Impact on local business

The feeling is echoed across Castletownbere, where many worry about the negative impact that the decommissioning scheme will have on local businesses and on this small community of less than 2,000 residents.

"We're going to suffer in our coastal communities. We're going to see people devastated over this. Generations and generations of people who have fished for maybe a hundred years now, there'll be nobody left of that family fishing. Forced out of the industry that they love. It's just a crime against us, to be honest," says Patrick Murphy, CEO of the Irish South & West Fish Producer's Organisation.

Despite several protests in Ireland, and appeals at the European level, the fate of Castletownbere and other fishing villages in Ireland seem inextricably tied to Brexit politics and to the Common Fisheries Policy, which allocates fishing quotas to each EU member state.

Nevertheless, John Nolan says the Irish "have to be given some hope by the European Union. And I implore our leaders, our politicians in Ireland and in Europe to treat Ireland more fairly."

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The slow death of Ireland's fishing industry

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Irish fishermen say they have been "sacrificed" for the post-Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union. #EuronewsWitness

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Overfishing in Ireland - what is being done

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Overfishing in Ireland - what is being done

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Pollution

Exploitation

Conservation

Water scarcity

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Drought

Eco-system

Biodiversity

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Water pollution | Water Contamination | Video for kids

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Half of China's population cannot access water that is safe for human consumption and two-thirds of China's rural population relies on tainted water. Water pollution in China is such a problem that there could be "catastrophic consequences for future generations," according to the World Bank.

China's water supply has been contaminated by the dumping of toxic human and industrial waste. Pollution-induced algae blooms cause the surface of China's lakes to turn a bright green, but greater problems may lurk beneath the surface; groundwater in 90 percent of China's cities is contaminated.

China's coastal manufacturing belt faces the most pollution. Despite the closure of thousands of pollutant sources, a third of the waterway remains well below the government's modest standards for water quality. Most of China's rural areas lack a system to treat wastewater.

Water pollution in China has doubled from what the government originally predicted because the impact of agricultural waste was ignored. Farm fertilizer has largely contributed to water contamination. China's water sources contain toxic of levels of arsenic, fluorine and sulfates, and pollution has been linked to China's high rates of liver, stomach and esophageal cancer.

Dabo Guan, a professor at the University of East Anglia in Britain, has been studying scarcity and water pollution in China for years. He believes water pollution to be the biggest environmental issue in China, but the public may be unaware of its impact. Air pollution creates pressure from the public on the government because it is visible every day, but underground water pollution is not visible in the cities, causing it to virtually be forgotten.

Water pollution in China stems from the demand for cheap goods; multinational companies ignore their suppliers' environmental practices. Although China's development has lifted many out of poverty, it has also sent many others into disease.

Factories are able to freely discharge their wastewater into lakes and rivers due to poor environmental regulations, weak enforcement and local corruption. Rural villages located near factory complexes rely on the contaminated water for drinking, washing and cooking. These villages have become known as "cancer villages" because of their high rates of cancer and death.

In 2011, Greenpeace launched the Detox campaign to publicize the relationship between multinational companies, their suppliers and water pollution in China. The Detox campaign challenges multinational companies to work with their suppliers to eliminate all instances of hazardous chemicals into water sources. Although combating water pollution in China will require much more work, continued efforts from organizations like the Detox campaign provide a beacon of hope for the future of China's people and environment.

- Carolyn Gibson

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Water Pollution in China is the Country's Worst Environmental Issue

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Half of China's population cannot access water that is safe for human consumption and two-thirds of China's rural population relies on tainted water. Water pollution in China is such a problem that there could be catastrophic consequences for future generations.

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How water pollution effects the economy in China

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How water pollution effects the economy in China

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Over the last few decades, access to safe drinking water has expanded dramatically across China. In 2000, more than 245 million people drank water from untreated sources. Less than two decades later that number had dropped to 89 million people. China's ongoing modernization is largely responsible for this improvement, but economic development presents its own challenges for water security.

Industrial pollution has wreaked havoc on the country's water supply. Rapid urbanization has made it difficult to provide enough water to major cities. According to Chinese government data, China's total water use increased 8.8 percent between 2000 and 2015, and wastewater emissions grew by more than 50 percent.

The resulting pressure on water supplies has compounded scarcity issues and outpaced the development of waste-management infrastructure. Even in China's most-developed cities, many residents continue to boil and filter tap water due to concerns about inadequate water treatment and aging underground pipe networks.

As the Chinese economy continues to mature and millions more flock to cities, leaders in Beijing will face continued water security challenges. Failing to resolve these issues could stymie the country's economic and social development.

How Pollution Undercuts Water Security in China

Decades of poor water and waste management have left much of China's surface water and groundwater severely polluted. Beijing has made notable commitments to reducing water pollution, but significant environmental and public health risks remain.

More than 80 percent of China's water supply comes from surface water, such as rivers and lakes. In 2018, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) reported that 6.9 percent of surface water in China's river basins was "Below Grade V" quality, meaning it was so polluted that it was unfit for any use. Another 18.9 percent was categorized as "Grade IV and V," indicating it was only suitable for agricultural or industrial use, but not for human consumption.

I

Waters from natural sources and national nature reserves

II

Suitable for use in centralized drinking water sources and for sustaining marine life

III

Suitable for use in centralized drinking water sources, sustaining some marine life, and recreational swimming

IV

Suitable for industrial use and recreation, but with no direct human contact

V

Suitable only for irrigation and landscaping

Below Grade V

Not suitable for any use

Source: Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment

The Hai River basin, which includes the major industrial areas of Hebei and Tianjin, is the most polluted of all the major basins in China. More than half of the basin's surface water is unsuitable for drinking. In the nearby Liao River basin, which is the second-most polluted river basin in China, the situation grows more dire every year. Between 2013 and 2018, the share of Below Grade V water in the Liao River basin quadrupled from 5.4 percent to 22.1 percent.

Lakes in China are also heavily polluted. Lake Tai, in eastern China, is the country's third-largest freshwater lake and one of the most polluted. In 2007, decades of industrial pollution culminated in a major algae bloom that killed off much of the lake's animal life and forced millions of nearby residents to drink from bottled water. Although RMB 26 billion (nearly $4 billion) has been spent on cleanup efforts, nearly all of the lake's water remains unsafe for drinking.

Groundwater from underground aquifers supplies most of the remainder of China's water. According to the MEE, 15.5 percent of China's groundwater in 2018 was unsuitable for any use. Another 70.7 percent was clean enough for agricultural and industrial purposes and could only be used for drinking water after proper treatment.

Water pollution carries serious economic and social costs. In the first half of 2017 alone, China spent an estimated RMB 667.4 billion ($100.2 billion) on nearly 8,000 water cleanup projects. Water pollution in heavily industrialized areas has also been linked to higher rates of cancer. A 2012 study found that the deterioration of drinking water by a single grade (on the MEE's scale) can increase the death rate of digestive cancer by 9.7 percent.

I and II

Suitable for drinking

III

Suitable for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use

IV

Suitable for irrigation and industrial use

V

Not suitable for any purpose

Source: Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment

Other countries suffer from similar problems. Some of the most polluted rivers in the world are in India. In 2016, it was revealed that approximately 63 percent of sewage running into India's rivers was untreated. Even developed countries like the US have struggled with severe water pollution in the past. In 1969, northern Ohio's Cuyahoga River was so polluted that it caught on fire. The event ignited public anger over water pollution and galvanized support for the Clean Water Act of 1972, which still stands as a cornerstone of US environmental protection laws.

The Chinese government has launched its own efforts to reduce water pollution. In 2015, China's State Council issued the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, which set targets for improving water quality by 2030. The National People's Congress passed major revisions to the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law in 2018 - the first update to the law in a decade. A key feature of the legislation was the establishment of a system of "river chiefs" and "lake chiefs" that makes local officials responsible for addressing pollution in specific bodies of water.

A considerable increase in the number of groundwater monitoring stations likely contributed to the significant shift in groundwater quality in 2018.

In January 2020, the MEE announced a five-year plan to restrict farming near major rivers, which is aimed at limiting water pollution from agricultural runoff. Successful implementation of the plan could substantially reduce water pollution, but it is highly ambitious and Chinese authorities may find it difficult to enforce.

Although significant challenges remain, government efforts have led to some notable improvements. In 2001, 44 percent of China's surface waters were considered unusable due to pollution (Below Grade V), compared to just 6.9 percent in 2018. Groundwater pollution, however, remains largely unchanged. Improving groundwater is far more difficult than treating surface water and will likely remain a long-term challenge for China.

How Scarcity Threatens Water Security in China

Water scarcity is another serious threat facing China. Nearly one-fifth of the world's population lives in China, yet only about 6 percent of global renewable freshwater resources lie within the country's borders. The Chinese government has made considerable investments in improving access to water, but urbanization and climate change continue to strain water resources.

Water scarcity occurs when the available amount of renewable freshwater does not meet demand. The UN defines water scarcity as an area having less than 1,000 cubic meters (m ³) of freshwater available per person, and "absolute water scarcity" as an area containing less than 500 m ³ of water per person. In 2017, there was approximately 2,075 m ³ of water per person in China. While this is not considered water-scarce, China's water resources are far less than the global median (3,776 m ³) and roughly one-fifth of the per capita levels in the US (9,459 m ³).

Water scarcity can also be measured in terms of "water stress," which the World Resource Institute (WRI) defines as a ratio of the total amount of water withdrawals to available renewable water supplies. According to the WRI, China suffers from medium-high water stress and is the 56 th most water-stressed country in the world.

As water resources are not evenly distributed across China, national-level comparisons do not tell the full story. Roughly half of the country's population resides in its northern 15 provinces and municipalities, where only one-fifth of China's freshwater resources are located. A total of nine provinces and municipalities suffer from absolute water scarcity. All these locations, except Shanghai, are in northern China.

Other countries also struggle with water scarcity. Nine states in India, which are home to over half a billion people, suffer from extremely high levels of water stress. Most of South Africa does not have high water stress, but Western Cape experiences extremely high water stress. Its provincial capital, Cape Town, faced a severe water shortage crisis in 2017-2018 that brought the city close to shutting down municipal water services.

Climate plays a major role in water resource disparities. Regions in northern China receive significantly less annual rainfall than elsewhere in the country. In the lower reaches of the Yellow River, which flows through nine northern provinces, annual rainfall averages between just 20-25 inches. In comparison, some areas along China's southeastern coast receive more than 80 inches of rain per year.

Climate change will likely deepen water scarcity. Rising global temperatures will contribute to the melting of Himalayan glaciers and snowpacks, which are the source of many rivers in China. This will cause greater seasonal volatility of water levels in China's rivers, and in the long term it will lead to decreased availability of water. Climate change is also expected to increase the occurrence of droughts, flooding, and other extreme weather, which will not just diminish China's water supply, but also directly threaten lives.

Continued urbanization could further strain water supplies in major cities. By 2050, roughly 80 percent of China's population is expected to live in urban areas. This shift will place enormous pressure on cities like Tianjin, which already has the lowest per capita water resources (113 m ³) in China.

To make its cities more resilient to water scarcity, China launched the "sponge city" initiative in 2015 to capture and re-use more rainfall. The initiative began with just 16 cities, but over the last few years has expanded to include 30 cities. By 2030, participating cities must ensure that 80 percent of their urban areas meet standards for collecting rainfall.

China has taken drastic measures to supply water to parched cities in the north. In 2013 and 2014, the country completed major portions of the South-North Water Diversion Project. The herculean effort is designed to transfer water from rivers and reservoirs in the south as far as 1,400 kilometers (km) to northern cities like Beijing and Tianjin. The project already supplies about one-third of all water used in Beijing. Experts have nonetheless criticized it for displacing hundreds of thousands of people and contributing to environmental degradation.

At the national level, China's State Council issued country-wide water management objectives in 2012 known as the " Three Red Lines." These include limiting national water use to 700 billion m ³ per year, increasing the efficiency of industrial water use, and expanding the share of major water sources meeting national quality standards by the year 2030. The Three Red Lines amount to some of the most ambitious national water use standards in the world.

China and Global Water Security

Water security issues do not end at national borders. Multiple waterways have been a source of tension between China and its neighbors. The upstream damming of the Brahmaputra River, which flows roughly 2,900 km from China into India and Bangladesh, has sounded alarm bells in India. Some fear that China could abruptly alter the flow of the river, harming communities downstream.

China's activity along the Mekong River, which flows from China into Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam, has also come under scrutiny. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested in August 2019 that China seeks to control the Mekong River through " a spree of upstream dam building." Similar concerns emerged following the April 2020 release of a US-funded report on the impact of Chinese dams. The report concludes that China's 11 upstream dams contributed to record-low water levels in the lower Mekong during 2019, even as the Chinese portion of the river received above-average precipitation.

Overseas development projects backed by China stand to significantly impact the Mekong as well. There are over 300 dams planned along the Mekong and its tributaries in lower Mekong countries. In Laos, over half of these dams are believed to be associated with Chinese companies.

Many Chinese-backed dams are connected with the expansive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which extends from countries along China's borders to regions as far away as South America. Since the BRI was launched in 2013, China has been involved in hydropower projects in dozens of countries around the world. While hydroelectric dams may provide renewable energy to areas in need, they also threaten to severely disrupt ecosystems and worsen existing water security issues.

In Indonesia, the Chinese-constructed Batang Toru hydropower plant has drawn criticism from scientists and activists for endangering the surrounding jungle's fragile ecological balance. Similar concerns have ignited controversy over projects in largely undeveloped natural habitats like the Amazon and Patagonia. In Brazil, local opposition to the Chinese-financed Belo Monte hydroelectric dam caused significant delays during construction.

Other energy projects likewise tax water resources. China is helping to finance a series of coal-fired power plants in Pakistan that could generate up to 6,600 megawatts of capacity. While these plants would help alleviate energy shortages, they could also use considerable water resources - upwards of 8 million m ³ per year combined - in a country already facing severe water stress.

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How Does Water Security Affect China's Development? | ChinaPower Project

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Over the last few decades, access to safe drinking water has expanded dramatically across China. In 2000, more than 245 million people drank water from untreated sources. Less than two decades later that number had dropped to 89 million people. China's ongoing modernization is largely responsible for this improvement, but economic development presents its own challenges for water security.

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1. Current status of water pollution and countermeasures in China

In China, along with high economic development, the promotion of industrialization and urbanization and the influence of global climate change have raised concerns about water security, pollution emissions by industrial enterprises, pollution by traffic accidents, production safety of enterprises. Emergency incidents in the water environment field, such as water pollution incidents caused by accidents, have occurred frequently. China's water environment problems are becoming more serious.

Therefore, for many years, the Chinese government has introduced and implemented preventive measures against water pollution such as the "Water Pollution Prevention Law" and the "Water Pollution Prevention Action Plan"; as a result it has achieved a certain effect.

Currently, the highest level of water pollution control law in China is the "Water Pollution Prevention Law", and there are also "Water Law" and "Water and Soil Preservation Law", but their scope of application is different. The "Water Law" was created to rationally develop, use, conserve and protect water resources, prevent flood damage, and realize the sustainable development of water resources. On the other hand, the "Water and Soil Preservation Law" was created to prevent and treat water and soil erosion, protect their resources, use them rationally, reduce floods, droughts and dust damage, improve the ecological environment, and, as a result, promote production.

The "Detailed Regulations for Implementation of the Water Pollution Prevention Law" promulgated and implemented from March 20, 2000 was repealed on April 4, 2018 as the No.698 Decree of the State Council of the People's Republic of China "Decision to Revise or Abolish Some Administrative Regulations of the State Council" was promulgated on March 19, 2018.

2. Legal system for water pollution prevention

Regarding water pollution prevention measures, the water pollution-related legal provisions at an initial stage in China are found in the "Environmental Protection Law" that came into effect in 1979, but it remained in the basic principles. Then in 1984, the "Water Pollution Prevention Law", the first law specializing in water pollution, was enacted and is positioned as a basic law even now in the field of water pollution prevention measures.

The law has been amended in 1996, 2008 and 2017. Among them, the 2008 amendment introduced a system for controlling the total amount of emissions of priority pollutants. In addition, environmental standards related to farmland irrigation water, fishery water quality, sewage, and groundwater quality standards have been established.

In addition, under the "Water Pollution Prevention Law" newly revised in 2017, many provisions were amended to clarify the responsibilities for water environment quality of local governments at each level, implementation rules of a total amount regulation system and a pollutant emission permit system, and the responsibilities for the tasks of the local department in charge of environmental protection.

However, under the "Water Pollution Prevention Law", there is no national-level "Water Pollution Prevention Ordinance"; subsequently, individual governments of provinces have enacted their own province-level "Water Pollution Prevention Ordinance". On the other hand, the national level laws such as "Castle drainage and sewage treatment ordinance", "Waihe basin water pollution prevention provisional ordinance" and "Taiko basin management ordinance" were enacted. In addition, the "Sewage Treatment Fee Collection and Use Control Law" was enacted to strengthen the management of sewage treatment fee in the local towns.

By the way, in China, policy documents (plans) that determine water pollution control policies and long-term goals are often published. As an example, the "Water Pollution Prevention Action Plan" promulgated in April 2015 is one of them. The "Water Pollution Prevention Action Plan," also known as the "Water Jujo," has presented the goals for water pollution prevention in China until 2030. In addition, the "National Groundwater Pollution Prevention Plan (2011-2020)" was promulgated in October 2011 to strengthen the nationwide groundwater pollution prevention measures. In October 2017, the "Priority Watersheds Water Pollution Prevention Plan (2016-2020)" was promulgated in order to strengthen water pollution prevention measures in priority watersheds.

As described above, China's legal framework for water pollution prevention consists of the higher-level law "Water Pollution Prevention Law" and the ordinances, action plans, and water discharge standards created based on the Law.

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What is deforestation - effects and solutions 

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Deforestation | Causes, Effects & Solutions | Video for Kids

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Economic effects and soloutions to deforestation in Brazil

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Deforestation in the Amazon is an environmental issue that continues to be a major concern across Latin America and beyond. Tropical forests play a critical role in both local and global ecosystems. They provide habitat for wildlife, sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, protect biodiversity, and provide valuable resources for nearby communities. It is estimated that over 20% of global rainforests have already been destroyed due to land clearing for agricultural production, logging, mining, and other human activities. In addition to its devastation of the natural environment, deforestation also contributes significantly to changing climates by releasing tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Tropical Amazon Rainforest, Brazil.
This article will examine the large-scale destruction of the forest cover in the Amazon for cattle pastures and other human activities, as well as the resulting impacts on air quality, climate, biodiversity loss, and Indigenous rights. It will also discuss strategies for reducing deforestation and protecting the Amazon's delicate ecosystems.

What is deforestation?
Read more: Top 10 causes of deforestation
Deforestation , as the name suggests, is the process of clearing a forest or a large area of trees to make space for other land uses, such as agriculture, commercial development, or urbanisation. While deforestation can occur in any part of the world, the rate of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil is one of the most severe worldwide.
Read more: What are the effects of deforestation?
Deforestation can happen naturally, for example, when forests are destroyed by wildfires, disease, or insect infestations. However, human activities like logging, mining, and agriculture are the main drivers of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest and globally.
Saimiri (Squirrel monkeys) sitting and eating fruits on a tree branch. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil.
Tropical deforestation is a significant concern because tropical rainforests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate, supporting biodiversity , and providing essential resources for human survival. The Amazon Rainforest alone is home to millions of plant and animal species and produces around 20% of the world's oxygen.

Deforestation has harmful effects on the environment and the economy. The loss of forests contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reducing the planet's ability to absorb it. Deforestation also leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and potential water shortages.
Read more: Impact of forests on biodiversity
Thus, deforestation is a complex issue with significant implications for our planet's health and the wellbeing of all living things. By understanding the causes and consequences of deforestation, we can work towards implementing solutions for a more sustainable future.

Brief overview of the Amazon Rainforest
Native tribal man swimming in the Amazonian rainforest in a handmade boat.
The Amazon Rainforest, the largest rainforest in the world, is a lush and vibrant ecosystem spanning across nine countries in South America, covering an area of over 5.5 million square kilometres, of which almost 60% is in Brazil. It is famously known as the 'lungs of the world,' producing 20% of the Earth's oxygen and playing a crucial role in regulating the planet's climate.

But it's not just the ecological importance that makes the Amazon Rainforest a wondrous place. The rainforest is home to over one million Indigenous people and millions of species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. From jaguars and macaws to medicinal plants and exotic fruits, the Amazon Rainforest is a treasure trove of biodiversity.

However, the Amazon Rainforest is facing significant threats given the rates of deforestation, mainly from human activities like deforestation, mining, and agriculture, but also from natural events like forest fires. These activities have devastating impacts on the ecosystem and the people who depend on it, including Indigenous communities who have called the rainforest home for thousands of years.
Read more: Why should endangered species be protected?
Despite these challenges, the Amazon Rainforest can be restored with collective support. Many organisations and individuals are working to protect the rainforest through sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and education initiatives. And we can all do our part, whether it's reducing our consumption of products linked to deforestation or supporting eco-friendly practices.

The Amazon Rainforest is undoubtedly one of our planet's most incredible and important ecosystems . It's up to us to protect it, so future generations can enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come.

Causes for deforestation in the Amazon
Read more: Why are tropical rainforests important? Read more: A pair of toucans sitting on a tree branch. Amazon Rainforest. Deforestation in the United States: causes, consequences, and cures Read more: Breathe easy: How trees are nature's air-cleaning machines
Deforestation in the Amazon is one of the biggest ecological crises of our time. The Amazon Rainforest is unmatched in its biodiversity, with millions of plant and animal species that call it home. However, human activities such as agriculture, mining, and logging are causing significant damage to the rainforest. Here are some of the main causes of Amazonian deforestation:

1. Agriculture: Cattle ranches and soybean production are the largest drivers of deforestation in the Amazon. Soybeans are in high demand globally, and the Amazon is a prime location for growing this crop due to its fertile soil. Unfortunately, clearing forests to create new agricultural land is often the easiest and cheapest solution for farmers. Brazil is one of the world's largest beef exporters, and to raise their cattle, ranchers need huge tracts of land.

Read more: How regenerative agriculture is transforming sustainable farming

2. Logging: Logging for commercial purposes is another major cause of deforestation. Trees are cut down for timber used in furniture, paper, and other products.

3. Mining: The demand for minerals like gold and iron ore drives mining in the Amazon. Mining activities are causing widespread destruction to the rainforest, including water pollution and soil degradation.

4. Human activity: The growth of human populations in and around the Amazon is increasing pressure on the rainforest. Infrastructure development, such as roads, dams, and hydropower projects, is also contributing to deforestation.

The negative impact of forest loss in the Amazon is vast. It leads to habitat loss for millions of species, including endangered animals like the jaguar and giant otter. Deforestation also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climatic instability, as the forest serves as a natural carbon sink, capturing carbon emissions.

To tackle deforestation in the Amazon, it is important to understand its root causes. By reducing demand for products linked to deforestation and supporting sustainable practices, we can all play a role in protecting this vital ecosystem.

The effects of deforestation in the Amazon

When we think about the Amazon forest, we imagine a lush, green forest teeming with wildlife and plants that are unique to this precious ecosystem. However, the reality is that deforestation is severely impacting this natural wonder, and the effects are alarming.

One of the most significant effects of deforestation in the Amazon is the displacement of Indigenous peoples. These communities have a deep connection with the land and depend on it for their survival. When forests are cut down, their homes, livelihoods, and very existence are threatened.

Another impact of deforestation is the loss of biodiversity. The Amazon is home to an incredible array of species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. When forests are destroyed, these animals lose their habitat, and many cannot survive. This, in turn, affects the balance of the entire ecosystem, and the consequences can be far-reaching.

Deforestation also leads to soil erosion, which affects the quality of the soil and its ability to support plant and animal life. The Amazon is known for its fertile soil. Even so, when forests are removed, the soil can quickly become depleted, leading to a loss of productivity and economic opportunities for local traditional communities.
Read more: From the brink of extinction: 4 endangered species that made a comeback
Perhaps the most significant impact of deforestation in the Amazon is its effect on the climate. Trees are natural carbon sinks, and when they are cut down, large amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere. This exacerbates the effects of climate change, contributing to rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and more frequent natural disasters.

It's easy to see why deforestation in the Amazon is a cause for concern. From the loss of biodiversity to the displacement of Indigenous peoples, the effects are far-reaching and devastating. It's up to us to take action to protect this precious ecosystem, whether through supporting conservation efforts or living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Recent trends in deforestation rates

Deforestation has been a hot topic for quite some time now, and it's not going away anytime soon. In fact, in the past years, deforestation rates in the Amazon have been on the rise, and the consequences are dire. In 2022, the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest witnessed a dramatic peak in deforestation: it lost the equivalent of nearly 3,000 soccer fields a day.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 10 million hectares of global forests are lost every year. Picture an area the size of Iceland but without the icy coolness. Instead, it's a wasteland. According to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon rose more than 50% in the first three months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.

The Amazon Rainforest loses an average of 1.4 billion trees each year. When trees are cut down, they release carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to the climate crisis we're facing. That is why deforestation is responsible for roughly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions each year. That's on par with the entire transportation sector's emissions worldwide, including cars, planes, and ships.

So, what's driving this increase in deforestation rates?
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Deforestation is often driven by human activity, such as agriculture, human settlements, and infrastructure development. One major driver is agriculture, specifically the production of soybeans and cattle ranching. Cattle ranching and soybean farming are colossal culprits, with cattle ranching accounting for 80% of current deforestation in the Amazon. As demand for these products increases, more and more land is cleared to make room for crops and grazing.

Illegal logging is another significant contributor, with millions of trees lost to this illicit activity every year. Despite efforts by environmental agencies and the Brazilian federal government to crack down on the practice, it continues to happen at an alarming rate. Traditional communities and Indigenous land are often the targets of these illegal activities, displacing people and disrupting their way of life.

The dry season also plays a role in deforestation rates. During this time, it's easier for fires to ignite and spread, making it easier for land to be cleared quickly. Unfortunately, deforestation-related fires can lead to devastating consequences, such as the loss of homes and businesses and even the loss of life.

So, what can be done to combat these trends in deforestation rates? Sustainable development and economic incentives for landowners who preserve forests are a great place to start. Additionally, supporting Indigenous communities and traditional land use practices can help protect valuable ecosystems and promote biodiversity. We discuss these and other solutions in more detail later in this article.
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The bottom line is that we can't afford to ignore deforestation's impact on our planet. It's time to take action and take responsibility for our actions. The future of our planet depends on it.

Moreover, it's not just the atmosphere that suffers from deforestation. Forests serve as habitats for a large portion of our planet's wildlife. Can you imagine losing over 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity and species due to deforestation?

Although deforestation rates in the Amazon remained high in 2022, the good news is that in April 2023, deforestation rates dropped by 72%. This was due in part to increased enforcement of environmental laws and campaigns to promote sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. However, there is still much more work to be done to protect this vital ecosystem.

The Amazon Rainforest is not just a resource to be exploited. It is a precious and irreplaceable ecosystem that deserves our respect and protection. By educating ourselves on the factors driving deforestation and taking action to promote sustainable practices, we can all contribute to protecting this vital part of our planet.

Solutions to deforestation

Deforestation in the Amazon is a serious problem that threatens our planet's health and biodiversity. The Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the 'lungs of the planet' because of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. However, it's being destroyed at an alarming rate, which has negative consequences in the form of greenhouse gas emissions, habitat loss for animals, and a reduction in biodiversity. Let's explore four solutions to combat the Amazon deforestation:
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1. Increased government regulations

One of the most practical ways to lessen deforestation in the Amazon is for the government to enforce laws that govern it. For example, the Brazilian government can create laws and regulations prioritising sustainable agricultural activities and forestry practices. The government can also implement measures that penalise individuals and companies that engage in illegal deforestation. This way, there will be a clear message to people that deforestation is impermissible.
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2. Implementing nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions are a promising pathway towards mitigating deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest. One such approach involves the restoration of degraded lands through reforestation efforts, which involves planting a diverse range of native tree species and allowing them to grow and regenerate over time. This can help prevent further deforestation by creating a barrier between remaining forests and areas susceptible to land-use change.

New plant in the Amazon forest. Brazil, South America.

Another key method to prevent deforestation is through promoting sustainable development and providing economic incentives for landowners who preserve forests. A sustainable income through forest conservation and sustainable land management practices can provide economic incentives for local traditional communities to protect forests rather than exploit them for short-term gains. Additionally, supporting Indigenous communities and traditional land use practices can help protect valuable ecosystems and promote biodiversity. Implementing and ensuring the success of such solutions requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organisations, and private sector actors. By prioritising nature-based solutions, it is possible to address deforestation in the Amazon while also safeguarding the region's biodiversity and supporting local livelihoods and Indigenous peoples.

3. Supporting nonprofit organisations

Supporting non-profit organisations that work towards protecting rainforests and planting trees is another way to combat deforestation. Rainforest Trust, Amazon Watch, and Rainforest Alliance are some of the many nonprofit organisations individuals can donate to. These organisations help reduce deforestation by purchasing land in the Amazon to protect it from logging and cattle ranching.

4. Reduce beef and dairy consumption

Cattle ranches are one of the biggest drivers of deforestation in the Amazon. To reduce deforestation, individuals can reduce their beef and dairy consumption by choosing plant-based alternatives. For example, instead of beef, they can opt for plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, and beans. Reducing demand for beef and dairy products can indirectly decrease the need for cattle ranches and therefore limit deforestation in the Amazon.

DGB Group's trust in nature-based solutions as an answer to deforestation

With the right combination of government regulations, nature-based solutions, non-profit organisations, and individual action, deforestation in the Amazon can be addressed and reversed. By implementing laws that protect forests, restoring degraded lands with reforestation efforts, supporting rainforest protection projects through nonprofit donations, and reducing beef and dairy product consumption, we can ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.

Through our work in designing and implementing large-scale nature-based solutions, DGB Group is confident that nature-based solutions are one of the surest ways to prevent further deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest and even revert it. With everyone doing their part by making sustainable choices and supporting environmental initiatives, we can make a meaningful difference in protecting our planet.

DGB strongly supports and implements reforestation efforts worldwide, knowing firsthand the devastating impact of deforestation on our planet and its precious biodiversity. Join us on our quest to save the planet! With our innovative carbon projects and collaborations with stakeholders, we're making a tangible difference in preserving healthy ecosystems. Our unwavering commitment to preventing further deforestation and promoting biodiversity is central to our mission and our contribution towards a sustainable, prosperous future.

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Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest: causes, effects, solutions

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Discover the causes, effects and solutions to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest.