Delta State University                                                                                         Spring 2003

Sociology 592                                                                                Environment and Society

Writing Assignment No. 2

Due:  Wednesday, June 11

Instructions:  Prepare a two page essay on the topic identified below.  Be sure to develop an explanation or argument in your essay.  See the link from the course home page (http://ntweb.deltastate.edu/vp_academic/abarton/Soc492/Soc492Syllabus.htm) for further instructions on writing an essay.

Topic:  Identify three direct and three indirect causes of tropical deforestation.  For each, explain why people engage in these activities, how each leads to deforestation, and some other negative consequences of these activities.  What do we lose as tropical deforestation accelerates?

What can we do to slow or stop tropical deforestation?  Explain how economic incentives, property rights, and rainforest chemicals together might play a role in protecting rainforests and slowing deforestation.