The Amazon has a long history of survival, why is it now threatened?
Below you’ll find a series of articles that explore the Amazon System and its natural resources in more detail. Read about the interdependencies of these resources, and the effects of the actions taken by man. Is it too late to reverse the decline? What does the Amazon System need to do in order to continue surviving? Find out more about The Open University’s involvement in Project COBRA, which focuses on increasing confidence across indigenous communities to address the challenges facing the Amazon.
These articles emerge out of the experience of Dr Andrea Berardi, a Lecturer in Environmental Information Systems at The Open University. He is a co-investigator on Project COBRA. COBRA is researching ways to integrate community solutions within policies addressing escalating social, economic and environmental crises, through accessible information and communication technologies.
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Introduction to the Amazon System
What is the Amazon System and how have the different components worked together over time?
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Amazonian challenges: Cattle ranching and agriculture
Extensive cattle ranching and agriculture have resulted in deforestation in virtually every Amazon country.
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Amazonian challenges: Infrastructure development
Infrastructure developments such as dams and road expansion are also threatening the Amazon.
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Amazonian challenges: Resource extraction
Extracting resources from the Amazon can not only impact the environment in the vicinity of the extractive site but also much further afield.
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Amazonian challenges: Wildlife trade
The extraordinary biodiversity of the Amazon countries makes them vulnerable to wildlife trafficking.
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Amazonian challenges: Climate change, drought and wildfires
Global warming is causing siginificant damage to the Amazon biome region.
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Amazonian challenges: The loss of indigenous culture and identity
The devaluation of the traditional indigenous culture and identity can lead to human rights abuses.
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How can the Amazon survive?
Faced with various challenges, what does the Amazon system need to do in order to continue surviving?
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Project COBRA: Community owned solutions
How Project COBRA can make a difference to the Amazon.
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