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| From earthobservatory.nasa.gov |
The article, Vast Tracks in Paraguay Forest Being Replaced by Ranchers, states that over 1.2 million acres of this beautiful forest have already been destroyed, and that if the deforestation continues at its current rate, almost all of the forest could be gone in less than 30 years time.
The author, Simon Romero, does a very good job of creating an emotionally stimulating story that remains unbiased and presents both sides of the argument. Romero has a great nut graf to start the story, and I can say that it personally grabbed my attention from the very start. In this piece, the author has created a story; it does more than just relays information, it makes the reader feel as well. By using quotes from hunter-gatherer groups such as the Ayoreo, the reader gets the emotional side of the story, seeing how the deforestation of this area is directly affecting those living there. On the other hand however, Romero does not fail to mention those who are doing the deforestation, providing quotes from the mayor of Porto Murtinho in Brazil and the communications manager for a Mennonite cooperative in Paraguay. Because these quotes are included, the reader has a chance to understand why such deforestation is going on, and the reasons behind these actions.
Romero ends his writing with a quote from Arturo Chiquenoi, a 28 year old Ayoreo man who occasionally works as a ranch hand. '“We’ll never live in the forest again," he said. ”That life is finished.”' By ending this way, Romero brings the article full circle, back to the emotional component from which he started. This article is very well written, with great facts and quotes which explain the heart-wrenching situation in Paraguay. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it
Read this article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/world/americas/paraguays-chaco-forest-being-cleared-by-ranchers.html?ref=environment
