A. In the first article by Bapna talks about the importance of forestry throughout the world. It starts out by mentioning in we cannot reduce the effects of global warming without reducing deforestation. Bapna mentions how the destruction of forests releases significant amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere which is the primary cause of global warming. The article then introduces the program of REED, (reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation.” This program will strive to provide incentives for developing countries to reduce their cutting of forests. With the commencement of REED, can provide incentives to governments and communities if they reduce deforestation. There are a few challenges that REED faces, however two main challenges are how you measure if REED significantly reduces CO2 emissions, and how will it be governed. The article strongly mentions the importance of governing the forests. According to Bapna corruption is the biggest fear in relation to governing forests. Some believe if REED is implemented many governments will take advantage of the incentives and put little efforts in restoring the environment.
In the “Efficiency of Payments for Environmental Services in Tropical Conservation” by Sven Wunder, talks about how suppliers and buyers for environmental services can be a major innovation for environmental conservation. Payments for Environmental Services or PES, is compared to as a market where there is an environmental service between a “buyer and “seller. Mostly geared towards landowners who act environmentally irresponsible, PES can offer a service and provide incentives to landowners to discontinue their harmful practices and habits. The article mentions the issue of how to put a monetary value of services involving the environment. Since the idea of PES is new, there really no standard or guideline to charge landowners for services provided. Another question Wunder brings up is how effective will PES be, and can this type of market significantly restore the environment.
B. The articles have many things in common. Both the REED article and the PES articles main premise is different ways and methods of preserving the environment. In the REED article Bapna discusses the importance of forests and how the destruction of them releases high amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere which then leads to global warming. In the PES article, Wunder introduces the idea of environmental services that can help restore the environment and offer incentives to landowners who currently practice poor environmental actions. The differences between the two articles are obviously how each article tackles the issues of conserving the environment. In Bapna case he provides us with information of the importance of forests and how we can’t fight global warming without their existence. Unlike Wunder, is not so concerned with global warming rather providing and innovation that can restore the environment by using PES methods.
C. I believe that Bapnas point of reducing deforestation is a great point to point out. I think us as americans believe that CO2 emissions that are exhausted from factory pipes and cars and trucks are the only cause of global warming. However, as Bapna points out about 15% of CO2 emissions are caused from deforestation. I think the UN and other global organizations needs to stress the importance of forestry especially in countries like Brazil and Costa Rica which many rain forests are located. I think we reached a point in our lifetime where environmental values have to be strongly considered resources are needed for economic purposes.
