Lesson video

Hello and welcome.

My name is Miss Harrison.

I'm so excited to be learning with you today.

Today's lesson is called Conflicting Views on Protecting or Exploiting Resources in the Taiga Biome.

Grab everything you might need for today's lesson and let's begin our learning.

By the end of today's lesson, you'll be able to explain why there can be conflicting views on protecting and exploiting forest and natural resources in the taiga.

Before we can begin this learning, we need to define the keywords that we'll be using throughout today's lesson.

The keywords are stakeholder and sustainability.

Stakeholders are anyone who has an interest in or is affected by a decision or issue.

Sustainability.

This is meeting present needs without harming future generations' ability to meet theirs.

Now that we've defined these keywords, we can begin our learning.

The first question we're going to explore in today's lesson is why is the taiga useful to different groups? The taiga biome is the world's largest terrestrial biome, spanning across vast areas of Canada, Russia, Alaska in the United States of America, and Scandinavia.

It stretches across the Northern Hemisphere, forming a broad continuous belt of forest that plays a key role in the global ecosystem.

While the taiga has a lower biodiversity compared to more tropical regions, like the tropical rainforests, it supports a wide variety of plant and animal species.

The harsh climate characterised by long, cold winters and short cool summers has shaped the unique ecosystems of the taiga.

Despite these challenging conditions, the biome hosts many species of trees, such as spruce, pine, and fir, along with a variety of mosses and wild flowers.

In terms of wildlife, the taiga's home to several iconic species, including wolves, bears, lynx, and caribou, as well as numerous bird species like owls, eagles, and woodpeckers.

While the biodiversity may be lower than in tropical forests, the taiga is still incredibly important for global wildlife and serves as a vital habitat for many species that have adapted to its extreme conditions.

The taiga is important for both people and the environment.

I would like you to pause the video here and have a think why the taiga is important.

Press play when you're ready to continue.

Excellent.

The reason why the taiga is important is because of biodiversity, the water cycle, indigenous communities, the resource supply, climate regulation, and it acts as a carbon sink.

Well done if you managed to get any of those.

I would now like you to add the missing labels to the diagram below.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Fantastic.

The missing labels are carbon sink, biodiversity, and indigenous community.

Excellent work on this.

Well done.

Economic development is having a significant impact on the taiga biome, leading to environmental degradation and social disruption.

Several industries driven by economic growth contribute to this harm.

Deforestation from logging and pulp and paper production is a major concern.

Large areas of the taiga are cleared to meet the demand for timber, paper, and other forest products.

This leads to loss of habitats for countless species and disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystem.

In many cases, these forests do not regenerate quickly as the cold climate and slow growing plant life makes recovery a lengthy process.

Mining and oil extraction also contribute to the degradation of the taiga environment.

Pollution from these activities, including toxic chemicals and waste products, contaminate rivers, lakes, and soils, harming aquatic life and terrestrial life.

The disruption of the water quality impacts both wildlife and human communities who rely on these resources for drinking water, food, and agriculture.

Additionally, mining operations can lead to habitat fragmentation, making it harder for species to find suitable living areas.

Indigenous communities.

These are people who have lived in the taiga for generations and they're often at risk of being displaced due to the expansion of industrial activities.

As forests are cleared for logging or as pipelines and mines are developed, indigenous people lose access to their traditional lands which they rely on for hunting, fishing, and cultural practises.

This loss of land can lead to social and economic dislocation, as well as a breakdown of community ties and traditions.

The rapid pace of economic development in the taiga is threatening both the environment and the livelihoods of indigenous people, creating a complex situation where natural resources are exploited for short-term economic gain at the cost of long-term ecological stability and cultural heritage.

Canada is home to approximately 28% of the world's taiga biome, making a crucial part of the global ecosystem.

The taiga, also known as the boreal forest, covers 60% of Canada's land mass.

It is the second largest forest biome in the world after the Amazon rainforest.

The taiga stretches across Canada from the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland and Labrador all the way through provinces like Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

It even reaches into the Yukon in the Northwest Territories, forming a vast and continuous structure of forest that plays a vital role in both the environment and climate regulation.

This extensive area is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, many of which are specifically adapted to the harsh, cold conditions of the taiga.

Canada's taiga is protected through a variety of national parks, wilderness areas, and conservation efforts, and the environmental regulations aimed at preserving the integrity of this critical biome.

These protected areas help safeguard the unique ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity of the taiga whilst also serving as a natural defence against the destructive impacts of commercial exploitation.

However, there is significant conflict between various stakeholders who have competing interests in the taiga.

Logging companies seek to harvest timber for commercial use, which often leads to deforestation and disruption of habitats.

Mining industries are also involved in the extraction of valuable resources, such as minerals and fossil fuels, which can lead to pollution and environmental degradation.

On the other hand, environmentalists push for stronger protections for the taiga, emphasising its role in carbon storage, biodiversity, and climate regulation.

Additionally, indigenous people who have lived in the taiga for generations advocate for their land rights and the protection of their cultural heritage, which is often threatened by industrial activities.

These groups are concerned about the loss of traditional territories and the disruption of their ways of life due to resource extraction.

The tension between these groups often leads to debates over how to balance economic development with the preservation of the environment.

And finding solutions that respect both economic growth and ecological sustainability remains a major challenge.

As we can tell, different stakeholders have different views about how the taiga should be used.

Jun has said, "I think some stakeholders will argue that taiga needs protecting to preserve biodiversity, protect indigenous communities, and tackle climate change." Whereas Izzy has said, "Others might argue that the taiga resources need to be used to ensure the economy grows." True or false.

All stakeholders agree on how to manage natural resources, with no disagreements over conservation or resource use.

Pause the video here whilst you decide if this statement is true or false.

And press play when you're ready to continue.

Fantastic.

This statement is false.

I would now like you to explain why.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Brilliant.

The reason why the statement is false is because different stakeholders have different viewpoints.

Businesses may want to use natural resources for profit, while environmental groups focus on protecting ecosystems. And indigenous communities may seek a balance that respects their rights and traditions.

Well done if you managed to explain that correctly.

Sustainability is about meeting the needs of people today in a way that still allows people in the future to have their needs met too.

Sustainability in the context of the taiga is, it means managing the taiga's resources, such as timber, water, and minerals, in a way that allows the forest to continue to thrive for years to come.

Sustainable practises in the taiga would involve balancing economic development with environmental protection to ensure that industries like logging and mining do not irreparably damage the ecosystem.

For instance, sustainable forestry techniques such as selective logging or replanting trees ensure that trees are harvested responsibly and that forests can regenerate.

Similarly, environmental regulations and conservation efforts aim to protect the biodiversity of the taiga and its crucial role in carbon storage and climate regulation.

However, achieving sustainability in the taiga is challenging, given the competing demands from logging companies, mining industries, and environmentalists and indigenous groups.

Indigenous people have traditionally practised sustainable resource management, emphasising the need for land protection and careful harvesting of natural resources.

Balancing these interests with industrial development is key to ensuring that the taiga remains healthy and capable of sustaining both human and ecological needs in the future.

True or false.

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Pause the video here whilst you decide if this statement is true or false.

And press play when you're to continue.

Excellent.

This statement is true.

I would now like you to explain why this statement is true.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Fantastic.

The reason why the statement is true is because sustainability involves balancing environmental, social, and economic needs to ensure that resources are available for future generations.

Well done if you managed to explain that correctly.

I would now like you to fill in the blanks using the words below.

The text is about why the taiga is useful to different groups.

Pause the video here whilst you attempt this task and press play when you're ready to continue.

Fantastic.

Let's check our answers.

Your answers should look like this.

The taiga is vital for carbon storage and biodiversity, but it is threatened by deforestation and oil extraction.

Protecting it is important to mitigate climate change.

People have different views.

Some support exploiting the taiga for logging and mining, while others prioritise conservation to protect wildlife and the environment.

Well done if you managed to get all of those answers correct.

You've done brilliantly.

We're now going to explore the second question of today's lesson.

What are the conflicting views? Many stakeholders are invested in the management of the taiga.

We need to start thinking about who is invested in the taiga.

We have indigenous communities, gas and oil companies, tourists and visitors, national parks, environmentalists, and hydroelectric power companies.

I would like you to add the missing labels to this diagram.

Pause the video here whilst you attempt this task and press play when you're ready to continue.

Excellent.

The missing labels are indigenous communities, gas and oil companies, and environmentalists.

Well done if you managed to identify them correctly.

Indigenous communities in the taiga have a deep connection to their land and culture, and they're increasingly focused on protecting both.

These communities rely on the taiga's natural resources for their traditional ways of life, particularly hunting, fishing, and gathering.

However, the expansion of industrial activities, such as logging, mining, and oil extraction, threaten their access to hunting areas and disrupt their ability to live sustainably off the land.

One of the key concerns for indigenous groups is the pollution caused by these industries, which contaminate water sources and air quality, posing serious risks to both environment and their health.

Pollution from oil spills, toxic waste, and industrial emissions can lead to polluted rivers, diseases in wildlife, and health problems for the indigenous people, who depend on these natural resources for their sustenance and culture.

Indigenous communities also believe that large corporations are damaging their way of life by prioritising economic profits over the wellbeing of the land and the people who have lived there for generations.

They advocate for land rights, calling for more influence in decisions about the management of natural resources and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

This tension between economic development and indigenous rights is a central issue in ongoing debate about the future of the taiga.

True or false.

Indigenous communities support industrial development in the taiga because it helps their economy and does not impact their way of life.

Pause the video here whilst you decide if this statement is true or false.

And press play when you're ready to continue.

Fantastic.

This statement is false.

I would now like you to explain why.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Brilliant.

The reason why the statement is false is because indigenous communities often oppose industrial development because it threatens their land, culture, and traditional hunting areas, while pollution can harm their health and environment.

Well done if you managed to explain that correctly.

Gas and oil companies are eager to drill in the taiga to extract oil and gas, driven by the growing demand for energy in Canada and other countries.

These industries argue that exploration and extraction of these resources are essential for economic growth, creating jobs and contributing significantly to the national economy.

The development of these resources provides employment opportunities for local communities and boost the economy through the extraction and sale of oil and gas.

However, these activities also bring significant environmental risks.

Oil spills, pollution from drilling operations, and other disruptions of natural habitats can severely impact the taiga's ecosystem, wildlife, and indigenous communities.

This has sparked significant debate about the long-term consequences of such projects.

Some companies are making efforts to address these concerns by collaborating with environmentalists and indigenous groups.

They work together to develop strategies that aim to minimise environmental impacts, such as reducing pollution, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring that indigenous rights and land claims are respected.

These partnerships are focused on finding ways that make energy extraction process more sustainable.

But the balance between economic interest and environmental protection remains a complex issue.

For example, the Alberta tar sands plays a significant role in Canada's economy, providing around 140,000 jobs and contributing approximately 38 billion Canadian dollars annually.

This extensive operation is a major source of employment, with a wide range of jobs in areas such as extraction, transportation, refining, and engineering.

The tar sands are a critical component of Canada's energy sector, accounting for about 60% of the country's total oil production.

As one of the largest oil reserves in the world, the Alberta tar sands are crucial for meeting domestic energy needs, as well as for exporting oil to global markets.

However, the environmental impact of tar sands extraction, including deforestation, water pollution, and carbon emissions, have raised significant concerns among environmentalists and indigenous groups, who argue that the benefits to the economy may come at a high ecological cost.

What is the main reason oil and gas companies exploit the taiga areas, like the Alberta tar sands? Is it a, to protect wildlife habitats, b, to meet the growing demand for energy, c, to promote ecotourism in the taiga, d, to increase forest cover.

Pause the video here whilst you attempt this task and press play when you're ready to continue.

Excellent.

The answer is b, to meet the growing demand for energy.

Well done if you identified that correctly.

True or false.

Oil and gas companies always work with indigenous communities to reduce harm and protect the environment.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Fantastic.

This statement is false.

I would now like you to explain why it's false.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Brilliant.

The reason why this statement is false is because while oil and gas companies sometimes works with indigenous groups, their activities can also sometimes lead to environmental damage that can harm indigenous land and the health of indigenous people.

Well done if you managed to explain that correctly.

Tourists are often drawn to the taiga for its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife, with activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching being particularly popular.

These activities allow visitors to experience the unique environment of the taiga firsthand and help foster a greater appreciation for its preservation.

In turn, tourism can positively contribute to the local economy as tourists spend money on accommodation, food, guided tours, and other services in the area.

However, tourism also has its drawbacks.

While many visitors aim to enjoy the taiga in a sustainable manner, some can inadvertently cause harm to the environment.

For example, tourists may disturb wildlife, leading to stress or displacement for animals.

Littering is another issue as waste left behind can degrade the natural beauty of the area and harm local ecosystems. Additionally, tourists who may be unfamiliar with the area, with fire safety practises, can accidentally start wildfires, which could have catastrophic effects on the delicate taiga ecosystem.

Balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the need for sustainable practises is crucial to protecting the taiga for future generations.

In the '22 to 2023 period, Canada's national parks attracted 15 million visitors, highlighting their importance as a major tourist destination.

These parks are not only vital for conservation and education but also contribute significantly to the Canadian economy by drawing visitors from around the world.

The revenue generated through park visits helps fund park maintenance, protection efforts, and various environmental programmes.

Furthermore, employment in Canada's national park service supports around 310,000 jobs.

These jobs span a wide range of roles, including park rangers, tour guides, administrative staff, conservationists, and hospitality workers.

The national park plays a significant role in providing stable employment, particularly in remote areas where the economy might rely heavily on tourism and park-related activities.

The national parks aim to strike a balance between protecting nature and allowing public access.

These parks are designed to preserve the natural environment, wildlife, and ecosystems whilst also providing opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoor activities, like hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.

To minimise human impact, national parks establish strict rules and regulations that limit activities such as littering, wildlife disturbances, and unsustainable resource use.

These rules ensure the park remains a safe and healthy environment for both visitors and the natural world.

However, monitoring and enforcing these parks can be a challenge, especially given the vast size of many parks.

Remote locations, limited staffing, and high visitor numbers can make it difficult to ensure compliance, resulting in occasional violations that may harm the environment.

With such large areas to cover, park authorities often face difficulties in preventing issues like illegal camping, littering, or wildlife harassment.

As a result, effective management and education programmes are essential to maintaining the delicate balance between human recreation and environmental protection.

What challenge do national park authorities face in managing the taiga? Is it a, balancing conservation with resource use, b, completely stopping all human activity, c, allowing unlimited deforestation, d, ensuring only oil companies benefit from land use.

Pause the video here whilst you decide and press play when you're ready to continue.

Excellent.

The answer is a, balancing conservation with resource use.

Well done.

Environmentalists argue that human activity is having a significant negative impact on the taiga.

They raise concerns over how large scale industrial projects such as oil and gas extraction and hydroelectric power developments can severely damage the extensive areas of fragile ecosystems. These projects often involve deforestation, pollution, and disruption of wildlife habitats, leading to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

Environmentalists particularly highlight the harm caused to vulnerable species such as the caribou, whose habitats are threatened by fragmentations of the taiga landscape.

They believe that stronger environmental protection laws are necessary to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems from further destruction.

Advocacy efforts often focus on creating strict regulations on industrial activities, promoting sustainable development, and supporting initiatives that protect the taiga's biodiversity and natural resources for future generations.

Hydroelectric power companies are interested in building dams and reservoirs in the taiga to generate renewable energy.

They argue that hydroelectric power energy is a more sustainable alternative to oil and gas as it produces much lower carbon emissions and helps to combat climate change by providing clean electricity.

Hydroelectric power also highlights stability to provide a steady, reliable energy source for growing populations and industries, making it a vital part of transitioning to renewable energy.

However, the construction of dam and reservoirs in the taiga comes with significant environmental trade-offs.

The creation of large reservoirs often leads to the flooding of vast areas of the taiga, resulting in habitat loss for many plants and animal species.

Forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems are submerged, causing the displacement of wildlife and the destruction of natural habitats.

Additionally, the changes to river flows and water levels can have long lasting effects on the local environment, disrupting the lives of species adapted to the original conditions of the taiga.

Why is there conflict over hydroelectric power development in the taiga? I would like you to pick two reasons.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Excellent.

The two reasons are a, hydroelectric power companies argue it provides renewable energy that is cleaner than fossil fuels, and c, environmentalists oppose hydroelectric power because dams flood large areas of forest, destroying habitats.

Well done if you managed to identify this correctly.

Logging companies cut down trees for timber and to produce paper and other wood products.

In an effort to ensure a continued supply of wood, many companies engage in tree planting, which helps to replenish the forest over time.

This practise is part of sustainable logging approach, where careful management ensures that the forest can regenerate and provide resources without depleting it entirely.

However, not all logging practises are sustainable.

Some companies use clear felling, a method where large areas of forests are completely cleared, leading to significant deforestation and long-term damage to ecosystems. This method can result in the loss of biodiversity, disrupt animal habitats, and contribute to soil erosion.

In addition, illegal logging can be particularly harmful as it often operates without any regulations, causing widespread environmental damage, destroying habitats, and circumventing conservation efforts.

Illegal logging is often difficult to monitor and control, making one of the most damaging practises in terms of forest destruction.

Canada is a major global producer of newsprint, contributing over 30% of the world's supply.

Historically, a large portion of this newsprint was made from the Canadian trees, particularly those harvested from the country's vast forests.

The process of paper production often involve cutting down trees, primarily softwoods like spruce and pine, which are abundant in Canada's forests, especially in the taiga biome.

While the demand for newsprint has declined in recent years due to digital media, the legacy of extensive logging for paper production continues to impact Canada's forests, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction.

In response, efforts have been made to recycle paper and promote sustainable forestry practises.

But concerns remain about the long-term impacts of paper production on Canada's vulnerable forest ecosystems. True or false.

Logging companies in the taiga only cut trees for sustainable purposes and never harm animal migration routes.

Pause the video here whilst you attempt this task and press play when you're ready to continue.

Excellent.

The answer is false.

I would now like you to explain why this answer is false.

Pause here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Fantastic.

The reason why the statement is false is because some logging companies cause large scale deforestation and build roads that disrupt animal migration routes, even though some follow sustainable practises.

Well done if you managed to explain that correctly.

Izzy and Andeep are having a discussion about the conflicting views around the management of the taiga.

Who do you think is correct? Andeep said, "Oil and hydroelectric power companies are vital for the economy and don't harm the taiga.

They create energy and jobs for local people." Izzy said, "Oil and hydroelectric power companies do harm the taiga.

Management is needed to protect ecosystems and indigenous rights." Pause the video here whilst you decide and press play when you're ready to continue.

Excellent.

The answer is Izzy.

I would now like you to explain why Izzy is right.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to continue.

Fantastic.

The reason why Izzy is correct is because oil and hydroelectric power companies do cause harm through deforestation, pollution, and wildlife disturbances, threatening biodiversity and indigenous communities.

Well done if you managed to explain that correctly.

I would now like you to use the stakeholder statements below to help you explain why there can be conflicting views about protecting the taiga.

We have indigenous communities that say the taiga is their home.

Industry is destroying our land and polluting our water.

We must protect our way of life.

Environmentalists.

The taiga is crucial for wildlife and climate.

Deforestation threatens its survival.

Oil and gas companies.

The taiga's resources are vital for the economy.

Stopping oil and gas extraction would cost jobs and profits.

Tourist.

We enjoy the taiga's beauty and we don't want to see it spoiled by development, but we need to have access and places to stay.

Pause the video here whilst you attempt this task and press play when you're ready to continue.

Brilliant.

Let's check our answers.

Your answer could include the following points.

There are conflicting views about protecting the taiga because different groups have different priorities.

Indigenous communities want to protect their land as resource extraction risks to damage the environment and affects their way of life.

Environmental groups argue that deforestation and pollution harm wildlife and contributes to climate change.

However, oil and gas companies see the taiga as a valuable source of energy and believe stopping extraction would harm the economy and cost jobs.

Tourists want to enjoy the taiga without mining or logging but can also cause damage by disturbing wildlife and accidentally causing wildfires.

National Park authorities tried to balance these views, but it is difficult to meet everyone's needs.

This conflict shows the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental protection.

Well done on this task.

You've done excellently.

We've now come to the end of our learning about conflicting views on protecting and exploiting resources in the taiga biome.

You've done brilliantly.

But before we end this lesson, let's summarise everything that we've learned today.

The taiga is the world's largest land biome and it plays a critical role in regulating the climate and supporting biodiversity.

However, it is facing pressure from human activities, such as mining, logging, tourism, leading to conflicting views on whether it should be protected or exploited.

Environmentalists argue for preserving the taiga due to its importance in carbon storage and its unique ecosystems. In contrast, industries advocate for exploiting the taiga's resource, such as timber and minerals, for economic development despite the environmental risks.

Well done in today's lesson.

You've done brilliantly.

And I look forward to learning with you again very soon.