What Do Adolescents Know About Deforestation?

Introduction:

  The aim of this report is to present what adolescents know about deforestation. We interviewed 232 students at La Salle school in person. The questions concerned the meaning of deforestation, causes, consequences, a place in Argentina that is affected by this problem and possible solutions.

What is Deforestation?

   People in general know that deforestation is related to cutting trees, but they don’t know the real meaning of this problem. Over thee-quarters gave us a basic, simple and correct definition. Only the 25% don’t know anything about deforestation.

Causes:

  The majority of respondents know the main reasons why deforestation occurs. Most people mentioned the use of trees to make paper, furniture, wood and the spaces for agriculture. Only 38 in 232 people do not know any cause.

Consequences:

  The floods, lack of oxygen, water shortages and loss of animal habitats are the most important consequences mentioned. Around 3 / 4 of respondents know which are the main consequences deforestation brings, the rest are totally unaware of them.

Possible Solutions:

  About 60% of respondents did not know a possible solution to this problem that affects us. Within the suggested possible solutions are the following: awareness, strict laws, fines, learning more about this problem, taking courses, etc.

Conclusion:

  One of the most surprising aspects of the report is that from 232 young people between 12 and 17 years only the 3 / 4 of respondents are conscious of the problems and consequences that deforestation brings.We were also surprised to find out that nobody knew a specific place in Argentina that may be affected by this problem. It’s time for everyone to start caring about the forests, our forests, our planet.