Hello friends! Today, we’re going to explore something really cool called the Sustainable Development Goals. Our focus will be on Goal 15: Life on Land. It’s an exciting topic, so let’s dive in and learn more about it!
First, let’s talk about what an ecosystem is. An ecosystem is like a community where living things, like animals and plants, live together with the non-living things around them, like air, water, and soil. There are many kinds of ecosystems on Earth, such as those in water and on land. Today, we’ll look at land ecosystems, like deserts, jungles, and forests.
Forests are super important! They have lots of trees and plants that help clean the air we breathe. That’s why forests are often called the “lungs of the planet.” Plus, more than 80% of all the animals and plants that live on land call forests their home.
Forests are also crucial for people. Millions of people rely on forests for food, jobs, and other important resources they need every day. Because of this, the United Nations wants to make sure we protect these amazing ecosystems as part of their sustainable development goals.
Sadly, humans are causing forests to disappear at an alarming rate. Every year, about 13 million hectares of forests vanish, which is a huge loss. This is why it’s important to control logging and stop deforestation.
When forests disappear, it can lead to a problem called desertification. This happens when fertile land becomes dry and barren, making it hard for plants to grow. We need to work together to prevent this from happening.
Activities like mass tourism and poaching are putting many species at risk. Did you know that 8% of known animal species have already disappeared, and 22% are in danger of extinction? But there’s still time to help stop this!
You might be wondering how you can make a difference. It’s simple! You can help by taking care of the environment around you. Respect animals and plants, and make sure not to leave trash in forests. Can you think of other ways to protect these habitats?
We’ve learned a lot today! Did you know there are many more videos and resources available? Imagine all the things you could discover! Keep exploring and learning, and you’ll have fun while making a positive impact on our planet!
Imagine you’re a scientist exploring a new land ecosystem. Use a shoebox and craft materials to create a diorama of a forest, desert, or jungle. Include plants, animals, and non-living elements like rocks and water. Present your diorama to the class and explain how the different parts of your ecosystem interact with each other.
Become a forest detective! Create a list of items commonly found in forests, such as leaves, twigs, or animal tracks. Go on a scavenger hunt in a local park or your backyard to find these items. Take notes on how each item contributes to the ecosystem. Share your findings with your classmates.
Join your classmates in a role-playing game where you become forest rangers. Your mission is to protect the forest from threats like deforestation and poaching. Work in teams to come up with strategies to solve these problems. Discuss how your actions can help preserve the forest for future generations.
Participate in a tree-planting challenge! Learn about the types of trees that grow in your area and plant a sapling in your schoolyard or community. Keep a journal to track its growth and the wildlife it attracts. Share your tree’s progress with the class and discuss the benefits it brings to the ecosystem.
Create a poster to raise awareness about endangered species in forests. Research an animal that is at risk of extinction and illustrate its habitat, diet, and the threats it faces. Present your poster to the class and suggest ways people can help protect this species and its environment.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
Hello friends! Today we are going to continue discussing the Sustainable Development Goals. Let’s focus on Goal 15: Life on Land, which is a fascinating topic. Join me to learn more about it!
First, let’s remember that an ecosystem is a community of living beings along with the physical characteristics of the environment where they live. On our planet, there are many types of ecosystems, both aquatic and terrestrial. Today, we will focus on terrestrial ecosystems, such as deserts, jungles, and forests.
Speaking of forests, do you know why these ecosystems are so important? The large masses of vegetation in forests help to clean air pollution produced by humans. That’s why they’re often referred to as the lungs of the planet. Additionally, more than 80 percent of all terrestrial species of animals and plants live in forests.
Another important fact is that millions of people around the world depend directly on forests for their livelihoods, whether for food, employment, or other essential resources for their daily lives. For these reasons, the United Nations has made protecting terrestrial ecosystems one of the main goals of sustainable development.
Unfortunately, due to human activity, approximately 13 million hectares of forests disappear every year, which is a significant loss. This highlights the importance of regulating uncontrolled logging and stopping deforestation now.
The disappearance of forests, along with climate change and overpopulation, leads to a phenomenon called desertification. Desertification occurs when once-fertile lands become barren, making it impossible for plants to grow and turning them into desert-like areas. We must take action to prevent this.
Additionally, certain activities such as mass tourism and poaching are endangering many species on our planet. Of all known animal species, 8 percent have disappeared, and 22 percent are at risk of extinction. We still have time to help stop this decline.
You may wonder how we can help. It’s quite simple! We can take care of the natural environment around us by respecting animals and plants and not leaving litter in the forests. Can you think of any other ways to protect terrestrial habitats?
We’ve learned so much in just one video! Did you know there are many more videos available? Imagine how much you could learn! Subscribe to the educational channel to learn and have fun at the same time!
Ecosystem – A community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment. – Example sentence: The pond is a small ecosystem that includes fish, frogs, plants, and insects.
Forests – Large areas covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. – Example sentence: Forests are important because they provide oxygen and habitats for many animals.
Animals – Living organisms that can move and respond to their environment. – Example sentence: Animals like deer and rabbits are often seen in the forest.
Plants – Living organisms that typically grow in a permanent site, absorb water and nutrients through their roots, and use sunlight to make food. – Example sentence: Plants such as trees and flowers are essential for providing oxygen and food.
Air – The invisible mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth and is necessary for breathing. – Example sentence: Clean air is vital for the health of all living things on our planet.
Water – A clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid that is essential for most plant and animal life. – Example sentence: Water is crucial for life, and we must protect our rivers and lakes from pollution.
Soil – The top layer of the Earth where plants grow, composed of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms. – Example sentence: Healthy soil is important for growing crops and supporting ecosystems.
Deforestation – The action of clearing a wide area of trees. – Example sentence: Deforestation can lead to loss of habitats and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Desertification – The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. – Example sentence: Desertification can make it difficult for plants and animals to survive in affected areas.
Habitats – The natural environments where an organism lives and grows. – Example sentence: Wetlands are important habitats for many species of birds and fish.