Liz Bonnin introduces a clip in which Simon Reeve finds out about severe deforestation in Paraguay.
Liz Bonnin introduces the importance of forests in reducing the effects of climate change before explaining how Paraguay has experienced vast deforestation for the growth of soya beans.
Simon Reeves shows a graphic of just how much forest has been lost in Paraguay over the last 50 years and has now been replaced with endless fields of cash crops - especially soy.
Simon Reeve is shown the unique habitat and considers what is special about the Atlantic Forest before explaining how important soy has become to the economy of Paraguay.
This short film highlights the challenge between conserving the forest and growing the economy.
This short film is from the 鶹Լ series, Physical Geography with Liz Bonnin.
Teacher Notes
Key Stage 3
Students could watch this short film before completing a piece of work about the debate between conservation and exploitation.
Students could research further the arguments on each side and present their opinion - should Paraguay continue to grow soy to develop their economy or should the forests be replanted?
Key Stage 4
Students could compare the data of Paraguay’s deforestation to the data about the growth of the economy and spot patterns.
Students could focus on the use of soy for bio-fuels and the irony of deforestation to provide a ‘green’ economy source.
Curriculum Notes
This topic appears in geography at KS3 and KS4 / GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/5 in Scotland.
More geography clips with Liz Bonnin:
What is the water cycle? video
Iain Stewart describes the water cycle and explains that water is constantly suspended in the atmosphere, yet we only notice it when it falls as rain.
How does a river change as it travels downstream? video
Liz Bonnin introduces a 鶹Լ archive clip of Sir David Attenborough as he follows the Amazon River downstream.
The erosion of the Grand Canyon. video
Liz Bonnin introduces the Grand Canyon with its complex and very ancient geology.
What coastal management techniques are being used on Hayling Island? video
This short film introduces the coastal management techniques used on Hayling Island in Hampshire.
What is a ‘spit’ and how does it form through longshore drift? video
Presenter Katie Knapman explains how a spit forms through longshore drift and is a dynamic feature- constantly changing the coastline.
The geological significance of the Jurassic Coast. video
A look at the Jurassic coastline and its geological significance with rocks spanning the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods.
How has ice and other processes impacted the landscape of Yorkshire? video
Wildlife presenter Julia Bradbury explains how Malham Cove and the limestone pavement formed, highlighting the significance of glaciers on the landscape.
What does the North Norfolk coastline tell us about how glaciation shaped Britain? video
Presenter and biologist Alice Roberts explains how Britain used to be connected to Europe via a land-bridge but has changed with sea-level rise since the last Ice Age.
Glaciation of the Northern Hemisphere. video
Presenter Iain Stewart explains the glaciation of the Northern Hemisphere, looking at the El Capitan rock face.
What evidence is there for a changing climate in the UK? video
Countryfile presenter Tom Heap introduces the idea that the UK climate might be changing, with increased droughts, increased summer temperatures but wetter winters.
The continued impact of plate tectonics on our oceans. video
A look at how our oceans are constantly changing due to the underlying plate tectonics.
What can Anglesey tell us about the plate tectonics of Britain? video
Presenter Nick Crane uses a map to compare the geology of Anglesey to that of the rest of Britain - highlighting the diversity of rock types.