The rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has decreased by almost 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to data from the country’s space agency. This marks the lowest recorded deforestation rate in the past five years. However, despite the decrease, the area that has been deforested is still more than six times the size of New York City. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who took office a year ago, has made a commitment to end deforestation by 2030.

Preliminary data from Brazil’s national space agency, Inpe, shows that 5,153 square kilometers of the Amazon were cleared in 2023, down from 10,278 square kilometers in 2022. President Lula has been vocal about his determination to restore the Amazon rainforest and crack down on those responsible for climate crimes. Under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation in the Amazon had reached a 12-year high.

In a statement, Brazil’s environment ministry expressed that this decrease in deforestation is the first step towards achieving the country’s goal of zero deforestation. The government also reiterated its commitment to combating illegal practices in the Amazon. The efforts of the environmental watchdog Ibama in increasing inspections have played a significant role in bringing about this decline, according to the environment ministry.

The Amazon rainforest is a critical battleground in the global fight against climate change. It is often referred to as “the lungs of the planet” due to its vital role in the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles. The rainforest is home to approximately three million species of plants and animals, as well as one million indigenous people. Brazil is responsible for 60% of the Amazon’s total area.

In conclusion, the rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has significantly decreased in 2023 compared to previous years. President Lula’s commitment to ending deforestation by 2030 has played a crucial role in this achievement. However, despite the decrease, the area that has been deforested is still substantial. The government remains dedicated to combating illegal practices in the Amazon, and the efforts of the environmental watchdog Ibama have contributed to the decline. The preservation of the Amazon rainforest is vital in the global fight against climate change due to its significant role in the planet’s oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles.

Original news source: Amazon rainforest: Deforestation rate halved in 2023 (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Assign each group a specific aspect of the article to focus on (e.g. deforestation rate, President Lula’s commitment, environmental watchdog Ibama).
3. Give the groups a few minutes to read and discuss their assigned aspect.
4. Instruct each group to write a concise summary of their assigned aspect, highlighting the key points.
5. Have each group present their summary to the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Explain that they will be conducting an opinion poll based on the article.
3. Assign each group a specific topic related to the article (e.g. deforestation, President Lula’s commitment, climate change).
4. Instruct each group to come up with three questions related to their assigned topic.
5. Have the groups take turns asking their questions to the other groups and recording their responses.
6. After the poll, encourage a class discussion about the different opinions and perspectives.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions:
1. Write a list of vocabulary words from the article on the board (e.g. deforestation, rainforest, indigenous, climate change).
2. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
3. Give each group a set of vocabulary words.
4. Instruct the groups to take turns selecting a word and silently drawing it on a piece of paper.
5. The other group members must guess the word within a certain time limit.
6. After each round, have the groups switch vocabulary word sets and repeat the activity.

– Sketch It
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
2. Assign each group a specific scene or event from the article (e.g. deforestation in the Amazon, President Lula taking office).
3. Instruct the groups to create a visual representation of their assigned scene or event using drawings or diagrams.
4. Give the groups a few minutes to work on their sketches.
5. Have each group present their sketch to the class, explaining the key details and their interpretation.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into two groups, A and B.
2. Group A represents the pros and Group B represents the cons.
3. Instruct each group to come up with arguments and reasons to support their assigned stance on deforestation in the Amazon (e.g. Group A: economic development, job creation; Group B: environmental destruction, loss of biodiversity).
4. Give the groups a few minutes to prepare their arguments.
5. Conduct a debate-style discussion, with each group taking turns presenting their points and counter-arguments.
6. Encourage the students to respectfully challenge and respond to each other’s arguments.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How much has the rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest decreased by in 2023 compared to the previous year?
2. What is the significance of the decrease in deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest?
3. How does the area that has been deforested in 2023 compare to the size of New York City?
4. Who is the current president of Brazil and what is his commitment regarding deforestation?
5. What was the deforestation rate in the Amazon under President Jair Bolsonaro?
6. What role has Brazil’s environmental watchdog Ibama played in the decrease in deforestation?
7. Why is the Amazon rainforest referred to as “the lungs of the planet”?
8. How many species of plants and animals are estimated to be in the Amazon rainforest?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The rate of (1)______ in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has decreased by almost 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to data from the country’s (2)______ agency. This marks the lowest recorded deforestation rate in the past five years. However, despite the decrease, the area that has been deforested is still more than six times the size of New York City. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who took (3)______ a year ago, has made a commitment to end deforestation by 2030.

Preliminary data from Brazil’s national space agency, Inpe, shows that 5,153 (4)______ kilometers of the Amazon were cleared in 2023, down from 10,278 square kilometers in 2022. President Lula has been vocal about his determination to (5)______ the (6)______ rainforest and crack down on those responsible for climate crimes. Under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation in the Amazon had reached a 12-year high.

In a statement, Brazil’s environment ministry expressed that this decrease in deforestation is the first step towards achieving the country’s goal of zero deforestation. The government also reiterated its commitment to combating (7)______ practices in the Amazon. The efforts of the (8)______ watchdog Ibama in increasing inspections have played a significant role in bringing about this decline, according to the environment ministry.

The Amazon rainforest is a (9)______ battleground in the global fight against climate change. It is often referred to as “the lungs of the planet” due to its vital role in the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles. The rainforest is home to approximately three million (10)______ of (11)______ and animals, as well as one million indigenous people. (12)______ is responsible for 60% of the Amazon’s total area.

In conclusion, the rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has significantly decreased in 2023 compared to (13)______ years. President Lula’s commitment to ending deforestation by 2030 has played a crucial role in this achievement. However, despite the decrease, the area that has been deforested is still substantial. The (14)______ remains dedicated to combating illegal practices in the Amazon, and the efforts of the environmental watchdog (15)______ have contributed to the decline. The preservation of the Amazon rainforest is (16)______ in the global fight against climate change due to its significant role in the planet’s oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the significance of the Amazon rainforest in the global fight against climate change?
2. How would you feel if you lived in a country that had a high rate of deforestation?
3. Do you think President Lula’s commitment to ending deforestation by 2030 is realistic? Why or why not?
4. How do you think the decrease in deforestation in the Amazon will impact the indigenous people who live there?
5. What are some possible consequences of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?
6. How do you think the decrease in deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest will affect the country’s economy?
7. Do you think other countries should follow Brazil’s example and commit to ending deforestation? Why or why not?
8. What measures do you think should be taken to combat illegal practices in the Amazon?
9. How would you feel if you were an environmental activist working to protect the Amazon rainforest?
10. Do you think the decrease in deforestation in the Amazon is enough to make a significant impact on climate change? Why or why not?
11. What are some potential solutions to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest?
12. How do you think the decrease in deforestation in the Amazon will affect the biodiversity of the region?
13. Do you think the efforts of the environmental watchdog Ibama are sufficient to combat illegal practices in the Amazon? Why or why not?
14. How would you feel if you were a resident of New York City and learned that the deforested area in the Amazon is six times the size of your city?
15. What role do you think individuals can play in protecting the Amazon rainforest?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. deforestation
2. preliminary
3. commitment
4. predecessor
5. indigenous
6. vital
7. combating
8. inspections
9. decline
10. substantial
11. dedicated
12. preservation
13. crucial
14. watchdog
15. carbon dioxide

Meanings:
(A) A promise or firm decision to do something
(B) Fully committed or loyal to a cause or activity
(C) A gas that is produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration. It is absorbed by plants in photosynthesis.
(D) Fighting against or actively opposing something
(E) Initial or preparatory, before the final results or outcome
(F) The action of clearing a wide area of trees
(G) A person who held a job or office before the current holder
(H) An organization or person that acts as a supervisor or guardian
(I) Originating naturally in a particular place; native
(J) The act of saving something from harm or destruction
(K) Careful examinations or reviews
(L) A gradual decrease in number, quantity, quality, or strength
(M) Large in size, value, or importance
(N) Absolutely necessary or important; essential
(O) Extremely important or necessary
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. According to data from Brazil’s space agency, the rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has decreased by nearly _______ in 2023 compared to the previous year.
(a) 25%
(b) 75%
(c) 100%
(d) 50%

2. The area that has been deforested in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is still more than _______ the size of New York City.
(a) three times
(b) ten times
(c) six times
(d) two times

3. Who is the current President of Brazil?
(a) Jair Bolsonaro
(b) Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
(c) Dilma Rousseff
(d) Fernando Henrique Cardoso

4. Under President Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation in the Amazon had reached a _______ high.
(a) 5-year
(b) 12-year
(c) 20-year
(d) 2-year

5. Brazil is responsible for _______ of the Amazon’s total area.
(a) 40%
(b) 80%
(c) 60%
(d) 20%

6. The Amazon rainforest is often referred to as “the lungs of the planet” because of its vital role in the _______ cycles.
(a) oxygen and carbon dioxide
(b) nitrogen and hydrogen
(c) water and nitrogen
(d) carbon and hydrogen

7. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has made a commitment to end deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest by _______.
(a) 2025
(b) 2040
(c) 2050
(d) 2030

8. The efforts of _______ in increasing inspections have played a significant role in the decrease in deforestation in the Amazon.
(a) Ibama
(b) Brazil’s space agency
(c) Brazil’s environment ministry
(d) President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has made no commitment to end deforestation by 2030.
2. Preliminary data from Brazil’s national space agency, Inpe, shows that 5,153 square kilometers of the Amazon were cleared in 2023.
3. President Lula has been vocal about his determination to restore the Amazon rainforest and crack down on those responsible for climate crimes.
4. The efforts of the environmental watchdog Ibama in increasing inspections have played a significant role in bringing about this decline.
5. Under President Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation in the Amazon had reached a 12-year low.
6. The rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has increased by almost 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
7. The area that has been deforested is still more than six times the size of New York City.
8. This marks the highest recorded deforestation rate in the past five years.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How much has the rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest decreased in 2023 compared to the previous year?
2. What is the size of the area that has been deforested in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest?
3. Who is the current president of Brazil and what is his commitment regarding deforestation?
4. What role has the environmental watchdog Ibama played in the decrease of deforestation in the Amazon?
5. Why is the preservation of the Amazon rainforest important in the global fight against climate change?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How much has the rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest decreased by in 2023 compared to the previous year?
The rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has decreased by almost 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year.

2. What is the significance of the decrease in deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest?
The decrease in deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is significant because it marks the lowest recorded deforestation rate in the past five years.

3. How does the area that has been deforested in 2023 compare to the size of New York City?
The area that has been deforested in 2023 is still more than six times the size of New York City.

4. Who is the current president of Brazil and what is his commitment regarding deforestation?
The current president of Brazil is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and his commitment regarding deforestation is to end it by 2030.

5. What was the deforestation rate in the Amazon under President Jair Bolsonaro?
Under President Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation in the Amazon had reached a 12-year high.

6. What role has Brazil’s environmental watchdog Ibama played in the decrease in deforestation?
The efforts of Brazil’s environmental watchdog Ibama in increasing inspections have played a significant role in bringing about the decrease in deforestation.

7. Why is the Amazon rainforest referred to as “the lungs of the planet”?
The Amazon rainforest is referred to as “the lungs of the planet” because of its vital role in the oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles.

8. How many species of plants and animals are estimated to be in the Amazon rainforest?
The Amazon rainforest is estimated to be home to approximately three million species of plants and animals.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) deforestation
(2) space
(3) office
(4) square
(5) restore
(6) Amazon
(7) illegal
(8) environmental
(9) critical
(10) species
(11) plants
(12) Brazil
(13) previous
(14) government
(15) Ibama
(16) vital
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. deforestation
Answer: (F) The action of clearing a wide area of trees

2. preliminary
Answer: (E) Initial or preparatory, before the final results or outcome

3. commitment
Answer: (A) A promise or firm decision to do something

4. predecessor
Answer: (G) A person who held a job or office before the current holder

5. indigenous
Answer: (I) Originating naturally in a particular place; native

6. vital
Answer: (N) Absolutely necessary or important; essential

7. combating
Answer: (D) Fighting against or actively opposing something

8. inspections
Answer: (K) Careful examinations or reviews

9. decline
Answer: (L) A gradual decrease in number, quantity, quality, or strength

10. substantial
Answer: (M) Large in size, value, or importance

11. dedicated
Answer: (B) Fully committed or loyal to a cause or activity

12. preservation
Answer: (J) The act of saving something from harm or destruction

13. crucial
Answer: (O) Extremely important or necessary

14. watchdog
Answer: (H) An organization or person that acts as a supervisor or guardian

15. carbon dioxide
Answer: (C) A gas that is produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration. It is absorbed by plants in photosynthesis.
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. According to data from Brazil’s space agency, the rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has decreased by nearly _______ in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Answer: (d) 50%

2. The area that has been deforested in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is still more than _______ the size of New York City.
Answer: (c) six times

3. Who is the current President of Brazil?
Answer: (b) Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

4. Under President Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation in the Amazon had reached a _______ high.
Answer: (b) 12-year

5. Brazil is responsible for _______ of the Amazon’s total area.
Answer: (c) 60%

6. The Amazon rainforest is often referred to as “the lungs of the planet” because of its vital role in the _______ cycles.
Answer: (a) oxygen and carbon dioxide

7. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has made a commitment to end deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest by _______.
Answer: (d) 2030

8. The efforts of _______ in increasing inspections have played a significant role in the decrease in deforestation in the Amazon.
Answer: (a) Ibama
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has made no commitment to end deforestation by 2030. (Answer: False)
2. Preliminary data from Brazil’s national space agency, Inpe, shows that 5,153 square kilometers of the Amazon were cleared in 2023. (Answer: True)
3. President Lula has been vocal about his determination to restore the Amazon rainforest and crack down on those responsible for climate crimes. (Answer: True)
4. The efforts of the environmental watchdog Ibama in increasing inspections have played a significant role in bringing about this decline. (Answer: True)
5. Under President Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation in the Amazon had reached a 12-year low. (Answer: False)
6. The rate of deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has increased by almost 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year. (Answer: False)
7. The area that has been deforested is still more than six times the size of New York City. (Answer: True)
8. This marks the highest recorded deforestation rate in the past five years. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧