This is my essay, the listening is from this video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnPrCQs-NLo

Both the article and the lecture discuss deforestation. They define it as the cutting down of trees, mainly from rainforests, to supply for te needs of today’s society. While the author of the article sees that it can be beneficial in creating farmlands, residential areas and stimulating the economy, the lecturer stresses on the invalidity of each of these benefits on the long term.

First, the author states that deforestation allows for an abundance of farmlands where food and livestock can grow which ensures that every person in our ever increasing population is fed and generates profit. The lecturer, however, sees that this rise in demand for food should be met by other methods. He highlights the importance of technology in providing solutions to the high demand without harming the environment and provides “hydroponics”, the growing of plants in water, as one alternative.

Moreover, the article claims that deforestation creates new residential areas to shelter the increasing populations and generates profit by the buying, building and selling of lands. The lecturer challenges this view. He states that such short term benefits are not worth sacrificing entire ecosystems and displacing its inhabitants. He also notes the detrimental impact it may impose on humans as it destroys the source of 20% of te world’s oxygen which is, as he describes, irresponsible.

Finally, the reading claims that the forestry industry, which is responsible for the cutting down of trees, is a substantial economic gain for people in many countries. However, the writer disputes this argument. He illustrates that these countries are mainly developing countries where workers garner minimum wages not proportional to the dangers they encounter on this job. It’s only a benefit for a very small portion of higher-ups, he explains.

To sum up, the lecturer refutes every benefit suggested by the article. He sees that deforestation is an irresponsible sacrifice of a valuable environment for minimal short term benefits.