Mapping the Powerful Impact of Forests
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Wageningen University and Research
What it is
- This video from Wageningen University and Research describes an interactive map that was created to document the world's forests as carbon sinks or sources.
- In creating this visual, researchers determined that the world's forests take up and store twice as much carbon as they release, however there is regional variability based on land-use practices and other variables.
- Users can zoom in on different forests to determine if the region is a carbon source or sink and observe forest cover.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This video describes the concept of forests as carbon sources and sinks while integrating technology and collaboration to visualize an environmental problem.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with the carbon cycle.
- More background information about the creation of this interactive map can be found here.
- The Global Forest Watch Interactive Map is available here.
Differentiation & Implementation
- If choosing to have students explore the carbon flux map, pairing students may be helpful to aid in the navigation of maps and to enrich discussion.
- Other similar resources include this interactive data resource and this video.
From the scientist review
Students will use mapping skills to identify and analyze the rate of deforestation, identify blue spots, find carbon sinks, and also develop long-term plans for sustainable forest protection. The resource is valid and recommended to teach students.
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