Threatened environments

In this presentation we are going to look at threatened environments.We will be looking at coral reefs,

Antarctica and the tropical rainforest.

is a threatened environment?

A threatened environment is a natural place which is under threat of destruction or damaged by humans. They can do this

by mining, deforestation, global warming, tourism and development.

Coral reefs Where is the coral reef?

Why is it in danger? How can we help?

What is the biggest threat?

Who is responsible

As you can see the coral reefs are located around 30⁰North and 30⁰ South of the equator

Coral reefs are in danger from tourists standing on

them, boats damaging them and people overfishing in the

areas where they are. Pollution is also a problem as

it contaminates the water, and kills them.

Did you know that coral is a living things They are live organisms made of tiny animals called polyps. Polyps eat normally from the reef until they are about to die. They attach themselves

to the seabed where they grow a rock like substance around them. After lots of them die it forms a rocky landscape because some go on

top of each other. This provides a home for fish.

are coral reefs important?

Coral reefs are important because they hold 2% of the worlds fish, provide food for

people who go fishing there, stops the coast from being eroded and even medical discoveries such as medicines for cancer.

can we help?• Stop dangerous fishing e.g. with

explosives.• Reduce pollution and make

sure all rubbish goes in a bin, not the sea.

• Donate to a nature conservation group that protect

the reefs• Tell others about the problems

of the reef.• Stop global warming

Antarctica

Antarctica is found at the South Pole. It has a southern magnetic field. It is frozen and in winter it is in permanent darkness but in summer it has 24 hour daylight. It is cold

because the rays of the sun are not as concentrated at the Poles.

Where is Antarctica and what is it like there?

• Antarctica is in danger from countries who want to mine for oil, diamonds and other minerals.

• The Ice sheets are melting due to rise in global temperatures.

• More tourists want to visit Antarctica and so add more pollution to the area.

• DDT is a chemical that was found in Antarctica but not used there. This shows pollution can travel

and cause damage.• Penguins, seals and whales have all been hunted

for their skins and blubber for human use.

Why is Antarctica in danger?Who is responsible?

What can be done to help?

You can help by saving energy to reduce the amount of pollution which

adds to global warming.All mining should be banned. All

countries must obey the Antarctic Treaty.

Tourists should be managed properly to reduce the damage they do.

Tropical Rainforest

Where is it?

Why is it in danger?

Who is responsible?

What can we do to help?

As you can see the tropical rainforest is found in similar places to the coral reef, 30⁰North and 30⁰ South of the equator.

The countries are south America, Australia, Africa and some parts of Asia

The forests are being cut down for lumber, cattle

ranching, and to make way for mining. It is also being

ruined to make way for buildings and roads. Many

animals that live in the forest are in danger of becoming

extinct.

Big mining companies and illegal loggers are causing a

lot of the damage. Agriculture (farming) too is a problem as trees are cut

down to grow crops for sale in other countries.

What can we do to help?Tell others about it.

Plant trees where they have been cut down.

Teach people how to live there without damaging the environmentHave protected areas of the forest

that no one can go in.Support companies who don’t

damage the forest.

Many forests are cut down to grow palm oil. This is damaging the homes of the orang-utans and they are becoming endangered. You can help by buying palm

oil free products.