Rainforest deforestation: impacts on the carbon and water cycles

This activity helps learners explore how rainforest deforestation disrupts both the carbon and water cycles. Using an animated film and a series of enquiry-based tasks, students investigate how forest loss in the Amazon affects evapotranspiration, rainfall patterns, climate and flood risk at local, regional and downwind scales. Designed for A Level Geography and Science students, the resource can also be adapted for use at GCSE level. 

©The Royal Meteorological Society. All rights reserved.

Royal Meteorological Society climate content quality mark october 2023
Lesson plans
KS4
Geography
Biology

Preparation

What you need
  • The rainforest deforestation activity guide
Location

Indoors

Resources

RMetS Rainforest deforestation the carbon and water cycles student guidance.pdf 193.03 KB

Step by step

  1. Download the rainforest deforestation activity guide.
  2. Read the guidance for step by step instructions for each activity. 

Curriculum links

This activity can be used to support curriculum knowledge and skill development in Biology and Geography, alongside enhancing nature education, with age appropriate adaptations.

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