Examining the Issue Recalling Facts 1. Why are the South American rain forests Important to the whole world? __ 2. What do nonprofit environmental groups do to help preserve the South American rain forests? __ Critical Thinking Skills 3. Making Judgments Do you think international corporations that are mining and logging the South American rain forests are acting in the interests of the global community? Explain your answer. __ 4. Drawing Conclusions Why do you think the United Nations has not aggressively sought to declare the South American rain forests international conservation areas? __

## Step 1<br />The South American rainforests are important to the whole world because they play a crucial role in global climate regulation. They are often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" because they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, which is essential for life on Earth.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Nonprofit environmental groups work to preserve the South American rainforests through various means. These include raising awareness about the importance of these forests, lobbying for stronger environmental protection laws, and implementing projects that directly protect these areas.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The question of whether international corporations mining and logging in the South American rainforests are acting in the interests of the global community is subjective and depends on one's perspective. Some may argue that these corporations are not acting in the best interests of the global community because their activities are causing deforestation and contributing to climate change.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The United Nations has not aggressively sought to declare the South American rainforests as international conservation areas due to a variety of reasons. These include political and economic interests, as well as the lack of a unified global stance on environmental issues.