Amazon reefs versus oil exploration

Grade 11 this article is a great read for you in particular as this links with the debate you are currently preparing on the Ecuador rainforests oil prospecting. A new pristine and extensive deep coral reef system has been found at the mouth of the Amazon river and scientists are currently exploring its extent. It is unusual because scientists did not realise that such a biodiverse reef could exist where there is such significant sediment being discharged from the worlds largest river. 

But environmentalists and scientists are not the only ones interested in this area. There is also the possibility that 15 - 20 billion barrels of oil also exists here and so BP along with other oil companies are exploring the area. 

The race is on - environment V economy. Who is your money on?

Questions to consider

What are the implications of this discovery for man kind?

What are your viewpoints on what should happen next?

Who are the stakeholders that will be involved in decision making over this area?

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/17/we-are-rewriting-the-textbooks-first-dives-to-amazon-coral-reef-stun-scientists?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco