Deforestation in Brazil Research Paper Example

Deforestation in Brazil Paper In Brazil, the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is a very big issue. In this report I will explain the connections of the deforestation to the Brazilian environment and economic development, and for extra reference I will relate these to the included map. The deforestation of the Amazon seems to be necessary to economic development in Brazil. Along with this, sadly the Amazon rainforest is being demolished at a alarming rate and it is causing major environmental issues including loss of bio-diversity, decreased hardwoods, world climate change and many others. To the indigenous people, the Amazon is a source of incalculable water, carbon sequestering, and it is very bio-diverse. When it is being deforested then all of the resources that it provides get smaller and smaller until there is eventually going to be nothing left. An article in National Geographic states â€Å"During the past 40 years, close to 20 percent of the Amazon rain forest has been cut down, more than in all the previous 450 years since European colonization began. (Wallace) † This fact, along with the shown deforestation on the included map should help you realize the mass of rainforest that is being cut down. We will write a custom essay sample on Deforestation in Brazil specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Deforestation in Brazil specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Deforestation in Brazil specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Deforestation comes with a price though, the environment. Brazil is loosing precious hardwoods, bio-diversity and soil everyday but the largest problem continues to be carbon emissions. â€Å"Deforestation, a critical contributor to climate change, effectively accounts for 20 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions and 70 percent of the emissions in Brazil. Halting new deforestation, experts say, is as powerful a way to combat warming as closing the world’s coal plants. (New York Times, 2009)† Brazils environment is being destroyed by deforestation and the global environment is being effected just as bad. If you look at the checkered areas on the map you will see the parts of the Amazon that are already deforested and no longer there, the spotted areas are old deforestation hot spots and the striped areas are the relatively new hotspots. At the rate that the rainforest is being cleared you can expect all these areas to grow by probably 50% by next year. Geography professor Robert Walker from Michigan State university says â€Å"80 to 90 percent of all cleared land in the region (the Brazilian Amazon) is attributable to some form of pasture or ranching. Cattle ranching is a huge part of Brazils economy and one of the main reasons why deforestation continues at such a rapid pace today. The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is directly connected to the overall economic development of Brazil. Brazil’s economy depends on the rainforest for things such as medicines, hardwoods, fruits and nuts, food and other resources that are collected and exported all over the world. The logg ing industry is one of the largest reasons that Brazil’s forests are being destroyed. The wood is being collected and shipped off around the world. This is helping the Brazilian economy grow and become part of a global market. In the article Logging in the Amazon the writer tells us â€Å"Huge majestic trees like the Samauma, also known as the Queen of the Forest, are being exploited to make cheap plywood for construction industries in the US, Japan and Europe. (2005)† this is just one example of the many uses of the wood collected from the Amazon. Along with logging another economic reason the Amazon is being destroyed is for cattle farming (beef industry). The forest is being rapidly cleared to make more room for pastures for cattle to graze in. The article Deforestation in the Amazon states that between 1990 and 2001 the percentage of Europes processed meat imports that came from Brazil rose from 40 to 74 percent and by 2003 for the first time ever, the growth in Brazilian cattle production—80 percent of which was in the Amazon—was largely export driven. (Butler) And more cattle means more deforestation. But it is also a huge income source for Brazil and a main factor in their economic growth. An online article by Rhett Butler states â€Å"Brazilian deforestation is strongly correlated to the economic health of the country: the decline in deforestation from 1988-1991 nicely matched the economic slowdown during the same period, while the rocketing rate of deforestation from 1993-1998 paralleled Brazils period of rapid economic growth. † This clearly shows how directly correlated the deforestation of the Amazon is with the economic development of Brazil. There is a major connection between the deforestation of the Amazon and Brazil’s environment and economic growth. Like I said earlier the deforestation is constantly changing Brazil’s environment. The loss of bio-diversity, hard-woods, and the constant carbon emissions coming out of brazil are going to keep on growing effecting the entire world. Although the deforestation of the Amazon is not good for the environment it directly impacts Brazil’s economic development by providing a source of income and trade partners through major industries such as logging and cattle farming. Butler, R. (n. d. ). Deforestation in the amazon. Retrieved from http://www. mongabay. com/brazil. html Butler, R. (2008, July 31). Future threats to the amazon rain forest . Retrieved from http://news. mongabay. com/2008/0801-amazon. html Camill, P. (1999). The deforestation of the amazon: a case study in understanding ecosystems and their value. Retrieved from http://library. buffalo. edu/libraries/projects/cases/amazon. html Cimitile, M. (2009, January 9). Amazon deforestation: Earths heart and lungs dismembered. Live Science, Retrieved from http://www. livescience. com/3201 amazon-deforestation-earth-heart-lungs-dismembered. html Frey, E. (2002). Tropical deforestation in the amazon: an economic analysis of rondonia, brazil. Issues in Political Economy, 11, Retrieved from http://org. elon. edu/ipe/frey1. pdf Rosenthal, E. (2009, August 21). In brazil, paying farmers to let the trees stand . New York Times. Retrieved from http://www. nytimes. com/2009/08/22/science/earth/22degrees. html Shukla, J. , Nobre, C. Sellers, P. (1991, April 29). Amazonian deforestation and regional climate change Journal of Climate, 4, 957-988. Retrieved from http://weatherdata. org/people/Shuklas Articles/1991/Amazonian. PDF Wallace, S. (n. d. ). Farming the amazon. Retrieved from http://environment. nationalgeographic. com/environment/habitats/last-of-amazon/

McDonalds stands for American cultural imperialism Essays

McDonalds stands for American cultural imperialism Essays McDonalds stands for American cultural imperialism Paper McDonalds stands for American cultural imperialism Paper J. , 1989, argues that there are people who refer McDonalds as a mixture of all that is Vulgar in American culture (cited in Ritzer, 1996). Emerald Group Publishing limited (2007) has published that even though McDonalds is trying to create the company image as an ethical company promoting diversity, concern for the planet and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices however the biggest argument against McDonalds is inherent in its global position that anti global activist see as the crux of the problem. However while taking side of cultural imperialism David Rothkopf, 1997 state that, the vanishing of cultural distinctions might be a sign of progress of civilisation and a tangible sign of enhanced communication and understanding. The famous McLibel case was followed closely by different social activist, however Campbell K. et al (2001) found that the McLibel case did not had a measurable negative impact on McDonalds. But still the critics of fast food and McDonalds in particular are diverse such as farmer, leftist, anarchist, nationalist, environmentalists, consumer advocates, health officials, labour unions and defenders of animal rights. The reason for their targeting the fast food restaurant chain of McDonalds is so ubiquitous, for that it threatens the fundamental aspects of national identity i. e. how, where and what people eat (Campbell et al, 2001). Accordingly Storey (1993), recommends that people, as active participant of local culture should be educated for selecting or rejecting new changes in culture, making meaning, attributing values to the developments in the culture etc. On the other side the growing Americanisation of the world is very oblivious and it is expressed through growing popularity of the movies, music videos, television shows, clothing and the Fast food restaurants like McDonalds from the United States (Schlosser, 2002). Higher income, busier lifestyle, the ease of availability storage, and greater variety in food choices have all resulted in repeat patronage to Fast food restaurants like McDonalds (Veeck et al, 2000). At the same time due to the transitional culture a large number of people are nowadays systematically and directly involved in more than one culture and this has certain amount of influence on the type of lifestyle that appeals to people (Hannerz, 1990). The study by Curtis et al (2007), found that presence of female gender, higher income levels, younger adults, the existence of children in the home and the positive opinion concerning the taste of the western food are the determining factors for the choices of type of food people make. According to Jones et al (2002), McDonalds provide consumers value for money-meals and also to some extent it is identified with an active commitment to community values and community activities. Curtis et al, (2007) observes that the increased consumption of western style convenience food in urban centres is likely the result of modernisation of the consumer preferences, where the consumption of imported foods, is viewed as a sign of modern living. He also argues that McDonalds provide a moderate cost solution for families looking for a modern dining experience, the new form of entertainment in china. In a study Watson (1997) found that there has been a change in the target audience of McDonalds. For example twenty years ago McDonalds catered to children of Hong Kongs wealthy elite however these elite have abandoned McDonalds and have moved to up Market to more expensive places. As a result McDonalds have turned to be a mainstay for working class people, who are attracted by its low cost, convenience, and predictability. However McDonalds annual report in 2006 has presented many facts about company which try to provide justification for its global position and also shed some light on the organisations involvement with local communities for their welfare through employment opportunities, Health education, safety trainings, educational scholarships, and environmental practices. It is worth noticing that McDonalds ( its owner) invest more than $1 Billion annually on employee training and development to create a platform for opportunities and growth for its employees (McDonalds Report, 2006). The company is proud to express the fact that 40% of its staff began their career at the restaurant (McDonalds Annual Report, 2005). McDonalds celebrate diversity in terms of employee backgrounds. 20% McDonalds employees are African and approximately 25% of all McDonalds owner/operator are minorities. McDonalds have secured number one position in Business Magazine for Hispanic, 2005 for its efforts to champion diversity in every aspect of the business. The company is also deeply involved and concerned for the communities in which it operates. For example Taiwan hygiene programme that teaches hand washing skills to children, New Zealand seat belt safety programme, US sue the dinosaur programme, Netherland Ronald sports programme, Russia fire prevention programme, Australia cancer education, McDonalds education Scholarship for children. In the past McDonalds have received more than 60 awards for corporate responsibility and environmental leadership that includes place among 50 best employers in 2006 Canada, best employer of the year in Brazil 2005, Latin America one of the best place to work 2005, Environmental leadership award (2001), corporate conservation leadership award, animal welfare award, toy safety award. According to Adams (2006), who is one of executive officer at McDonalds McDonalds make deliberate choices concerning our food quality, available menu, choices, visibility of nutrition information, and educational message on energy balance and claim that these efforts demonstrate their commitment to the consumers health and wellbeing. McDonalds offers efficiency for consumers which means it is a best available way to get from being hungry to being full (Adams, 2006). It also offers the calculability in terms of portion size, cost and time required to get the product. One can predict the quality and service of the product over the time in all locations (Ritzer, 1996). As a way to avoid the fear of American imperialism, McDonalds tries to purchase as much food as possible from the countries where it operates (Schlosser, 2002). Silverstone (1995) in his paper has cited the criticism made by Lyon, Taylor, and Smith, about George Ritzers belief that the impact of McDonalds on society is essentially bad and they see such a perspective as a biased. They argue that McDonalds is serving a useful role on the high street and it can be seen as slick satisfaction of consumers needs. Silverstone, (1995) has also referred to the McDonalds reaction to the charge of providing unhealthy food that their product form part of an overall balanced diet (McDonalds Food: The Fact, 1994). It should not be ignored that McDonalds places the nutrition information in easy to read graphic format on the packaging for the consumers to understand their dietary requirements (McDonalds Annual Report, 2006). Since the underlying values of the target audience have changed, McDonalds could not solely rely on convenience and product consistency as a unique selling point (Schroder et al, 2005). Watson, 1997 too agrees that in post modern upbringing the boundaries of the status, style, and taste dissolve almost as fast as they are formed. What is in today is out tomorrow as a result McDonalds is giving strong corporate emphasis on consumer health, quality and socially responsible initiatives must be taken (Schroder et al, 2005). According to study carried out by Emerald Group Publishing limited (2007), McDonalds have made significant changes in its product line to reflect todays healthy eating concerns and the more sophisticated taste of twenty first century consumers. In conclusion, due to its phenomenal growth, McDonalds does represent American cultural imperialism. The domination of American culture in the rest of the world has helped McDonalds Corporation in its tremendous growth and consequently McDonalds has strengthened the power of American culture in the world. It shows that the relationship between American cultural domination and the growth of McDonalds is positive. However from the companys point of view, McDonalds offers the world the service that satisfies the consumers needs with due consideration to ethical issues. And for consumers it is an affordable and convenient way of experiencing the modern living. However anti-globalisation activists resist McDonalds for the adverse effects it has on native cultures and argue that the culture represented by McDonalds is inappropriate for the common masses. After considering different perspectives it can be concluded that McDonalds does represent American cultural imperialism but it can not essentially be seen as bad or good for the nations of the world. However, consideration should be given to the importance of native culture, the role it plays in peoples life and the effect of American culture on developing countries where such American influence is not suitable.

Should smoking be banned Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Should smoking be banned - Research Paper Example the university student smokers in this investigation as explicated by Al-Dawood reported to have started smoking between the ages of ten and fifteen (150). While this trend is continuing, it is worth noting that the negative effects of smoking are far-reaching. With regards to the extensiveness and seriousness of the effects of smoking, it is justified to allude that smoking should be banned. This paper explicates the reasons why smoking should be banned. Smoking is one of the leading causes of death according to Desapriya et-al (1158). This is in relation to second hand smoke that affects the health of individuals. In the US alone, Desapriya et-al posits that in excess of 126 million individuals are today at risk of developing health problems relating to smoking due to second hand exposure. Approximately 22 million of these are considered to be children (1158). In this viewpoint, smoking ought to be prohibited as it risks the lives of innocent children and the public as well. A large proportion of people in the world have been reported to have died as a result of second hand smoke. The incidence of these deaths are estimated to be approximately fifty thousand casualties annually in the US (1158). Prohibiting smoking especially in public places could be in line with the protection of the civil liberties of members of the public. In other words, prohibiting smoking could save the public from the harmful consequence related to second h and exposure to cigarette smoke. In the achievement of this action plan, Desapriya et-al (1158) asserts that various countries have in fact implemented strategies geared towards deterring people from smoke in public places such as workplaces and hotels. The most substantial reason that supports the prohibition of smoking is probably its effect on unborn foetuses. Smoking is considered very addictive and therefore, many female smokers face a lot of challenges in relation to relinquishing the smoking habit during pregnancy. Figures

Online Consumer Engagement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Online Consumer Engagement - Essay Example Customer engagement is one such strategy that can significantly improve customer satisfaction. As the name suggests customer engagement is the commitment of the customer with the company or the product. As Mc Ewen suggests, "if you don't make a connection with your customers then satisfaction is worthless" (Mc Ewen, Fleming, 2003). Regardless of how high a company's customer satisfaction level may be, if their customers are not able emotionally connect with the company or their products to high levels of customer satisfaction of no use. Internet today is playing a very crucial role in affecting consumer behavior. Most companies have identified that starting B2B and B2C. channels over the Internet not only reduces costs in terms of paperwork, front desk time, personnel time etc., it also gives the customers the freedom to view previous products at the comfort of their homes get reviews about the products talk about it online to other customers and then make a well-informed decision. O nline Publishers Association presented their finding that the Internet is the most dominant source for initial awareness, further learning, deciding where to buy and purchases when compared to any other media (Online Publishers Association, 2007). Thus, today customer engagement is essential not only in the physical store but also over the Internet. This is referred to as online customer engagement. The following sections aim at identifying the various nuances associated with online customer engagement. Online Consumer Behavior What drives customers from one website to another What makes the customers stay longer on a particular website when compared to others What influences the customers to buy the same product on one website when compared to another Please, and many other such relevant questions can be answered by understanding consumer behavior on the Internet. Brynjolfsson and Smith called Internet as "the great equalizer" because the technology capabilities of the Internet medium reduce buyer search and switching costs and eliminate spacial competitive advantages that retailers would enjoy the physical marketplace (Brynjolfsson and Smith, 2000). In 1999, a research carried out by International Data Corporation and RelevantKnowledge showed that users are not loyal to one web portal. At that time, it did show that Yahoo had a higher loyalty rate than others; however, no other portal had a substantial loyalty rate (Spring, 1999). Spring analyzed that the reason for this lack of loyalty at that time was d ue to the fact that not every portal realized the importance of building "closer and tighter relationships with consumers". Several researchers over time have analyzed the various factors that affect Online Consumer Behavior. An inclusive, but by no means exhaustive list is presented below. Usability: The definition of usability as stated by ISO is "a set of attributes of software which bear on the effort needed for use and on the individual assessment of such use ..." (ISO, 1991b). With respect to e commerce, it is the set of characteristics of the website that make online engagement of the consumer a good experience.

Reflection Essay- Role Play of Zenur Levon Negotiation

Reflection Essay- Role Play of Zenur Levon Negotiation Self reflection states about own character, self knowledge, feelings and own thoughts and which part needed to improvement. In other words,Self reflection defines ones own weakness and strengths and about ones own behavior and experience (Neaum, 2012). In this self reflection, I will be explaining about my group experiences, Zenurs plan and how we got a best deal for our company through negotiation process. In this role play we followed the negotiation process steps like planning, discussion, bargaining about proposal offer and closing step. Zenur and Levon were well known companies. Zenur used the interactive model of effectively communication during the negotiation. Both companies had same business market. This negotiation process helped both companies to know about their weakness and strengths. The negotiation of Zenur with Levon went efficiently because both organizations had similar business areas and it was beneficial for both to influence the each others strengths. Zenur got information and data about Levon Company and made plan to achieve their goal and which brought benefit for both companies. In the process of negotiation, we came up with Zenur as a selling company. We discussed about our strategies, data, information, ideas and knowledge which we used during the negotiation to convince Levon Company. Moreover this information helped us to achieve our target. Zenur and Levon discussed their ideas, their company goals, achievements and their future plan with each others while negotiation. Because their share ideas, knowledge and helping each others helps to get a good performance in group activities (Bernstein, 2015). Levon gave three offers to take over Zenur Company which was $350 million with full control and $400 with full control of acquition. Zenur Company CEO (leader) discussed with Finance manager (myself) and we refused this offer because of some valid reason. Levon and Zenur were bargaining and discussed their companies point of view. Both companies agreed with $425 million with 50-50% profit sharing and will keep and give promotion to Zenur staff as we discussed with Levon. After this negotiation, both companies signed written contract and Zenur make sure that Levon will take three months for complete whole process. Zenur used their strategies, skills and styles at the different stages of the negotiation. Zenur meet with their own interests and plan which helped to bring benefits for both companies. In the role play Zenur was able to make their offer better because Zenur focused on their offer and tried to understand Levon current issues and their opinion. Through negotiation and bargaining, Zenur got deal with $425 with 50-50% profit sharing. As a finance manager, I was explained the present position, issues and plans of the Zenur company which will help Zenur and Levon to make their performance better. I was tried to explained companys legal requirement and objectives. I explained why we refused the offer and which are my company requirements? I tried to focus on our company benefits and get a best deal for Zenur. As a finance manager, I was trying to understand the Levons conditions and issues. I was a finance manager who was a one of negotiators of the team, I found some qualities like flexibilities, ability to understand the others point of view and focus on our companys goal. I was able to asked questions and give answers when its needed. I shared my opinions, thoughts and information with others during this process. Because when we working in a group team than every team members have to need to do their best to achieve their group goals and group achievement (DeVito, 2005). Overall, it was a very good experience for me to do work in a group which help me learnt how to communicate with each others. Also we should listen others opinion and ideas and give respect them. Because listening is important this can help us to convey our massage clear to others and helps to make our discussion better (Bernstein, 2015). Moreover as a finance manager learnt how to take a step or discussion immediately in any situation. Moreover, working in group play we can develop our relation with each others and help to make our performance better. I hadnt faced any language barriers in my group. References Bernstein, E. (2015). How active listening makes both participants in a conversation feel better. The wall street journal, 11-13. Cameron, L. (2010). Teaching languages to young  learners. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. DeVito, J. A. (2005). Essentials of human communication (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. Neaum, S. (2012). Language and literacy ; For the early years. London: Sage Publications Inc.

Continental Drift Theory and Plate Tectonic Theory

In the early 20th century, German scientist Alfred Wegener published a book explaining his theory that the continental landmasses, far from being immovable, were drifting across the Earth. He called this movement continental drift. Wegener noticed that the coasts of western Africa and eastern South America looked like the edges of interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. He was not the first to notice this, but he was the first to formally present evidence suggesting that the two continents had once been connected. Wegener was convinced that the two continents were once part of an enormous, single landmass that had split apart. He knew that the two areas had many geological and biological similarities. For example, fossils of the ancient reptile mesosaurus are only found in southern Africa and South America. Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile only one meter (3. 3 feet) long, could not have swum the Atlantic Ocean. The presence of mesosaurus suggests a single habitat with many lakes and rivers. Wegener believed that all the continents—not just Africa and South America—had once been joined in a single supercontinent. This huge ancient landmass is known as Pangaea, which means â€Å"all lands† in Greek. Pangaea existed about 240 million years ago. By about 200 million years ago, this supercontinent began breaking up. Over millions of years, Pangaea separated into pieces that moved away from one another. These pieces slowly assumed their present positions as the continents. PLATE TECTONIC THEORY Plate tectonics is the theory that the outer rigid layer of the earth (the lithosphere) is divided into a couple of dozen â€Å"plates† that move around across the earth's surface relative to each other, like slabs of ice on a lake. There are seven or eight major plates and many minor plates. Where plates meet, their relative motion determines the type of boundary: convergent, divergent, or transform. Earthquakes, activity, mountain-building, and oceanic trench formation occur along these plate boundaries. The lateral relative movement of the plates typically varies from zero to 100 mm annually. Tectonic plates are able to move because the Earth's lithosphere has a higher strength and lower density than the underlying asthenosphere. Plate movement is thought to be driven by a combination of the motion of the seafloor away from the spreading ridge and drag, downward suction, at the subduction zones. Another explanation lies in the different forces generated by the rotation of the globe and the tidal forces of the Sun and the Moon. The relative importance of each of these factors is unclear, and is still subject to debate. The geoscientific community accepted the theory after the concepts of seafloor were developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Fun Facts: * The highest mountain range above sea level, the Himalayas, was formed 55 million years ago when the Eurasian and Indo-Australian continental plates converged. Due to ongoing convergence, the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, continue to rise by approximately 2 centimeters (?1 inch) each year. * The Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean. Along its crest, the ridge has a deep rift valley that, on average, is similar to the depth and width of the Grand Canyon: 1 to 3 kilometers (0. 6 -1. 8 miles) deep and 6. 5 to 29 kilometers (4-18 miles) wide. * Scientists are able to calculate average rates of tectonic plate movement for a given time period. These rates of movement range widely. For example, the rate of spreading at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge near Iceland is relatively slow, about 2. 5 centimeters (1 inch) per year. This is similar to the rate at which fingernails grow. The fastest known rate of plate movement, 15 centimeters (6 inches) per year, occurs on the East Pacific Rise in the South Pacific. SEAFLOOR SPREADING Seafloor spreading is a process of plate tectonics. New oceanic crust is created as large slabs of the Earth's crust split apart from each other and magma wells up to fill the gap. The large slabs of rock that make up the Earth’s crust are called tectonic plates. As they slowly move away from each other beneath the ocean floor, hot magma from the Earth’s mantle bubbles to the surface. This magma is then cooled by seawater. The new rock forms a new part of the Earth’s crust. Seafloor spreading occurs along mid-ocean ridges—large mountain ranges rising from the ocean floor. New bodies of water and even continents can be created through seafloor spreading. The Red Sea, for example, was created through seafloor spreading, as the African plate and the Arabian plate tear away from each other. Today, the northern Sinai Peninsula connects the Middle East (Asia) with North Africa. Eventually, geologists predict, seafloor spreading will expand the Red Sea so that it will completely separate the two continents. . Seafloor spreading disproves an early part of the theory of continental drift. Continental drift was one of the first theories that the Earth's crust was dynamic and always in motion. Supporters of continental drift originally theorized that the continents moved (drifted) through unmoving oceans. Seafloor spreading proves that the ocean floor itself is the site of tectonic activity. Subduction is the opposite of seafloor spreading. Subduction happens where tectonic plates crash into each other instead of spreading apart. In subduction zones, the edge of the heavier plate subducts, or slides, beneath the lighter one. It then melts back into the Earth's mantle. Seafloor spreading creates new crust. Subduction destroys old crust. The two forces roughly balance each other, so the shape and diameter of the Earth remains constant.

Mesopotamia vs. Egypt Essay

When you think about Mesopotamia and Egypt you may think that they are very different. They are, but they also have many similarities and differences as well. Both of these societies have done things that have effected the way we live today. One similarity is they were both polytheistic, meaning that they believed in many gods. Another similarity is the both had their own writing system. Two differences they have are their feelings about the afterlife and their rivers. A similarity between the Mesopotamians and Egyptians is they both had their own writing system. The Egyptians used hieroglyphics which used pictorial symbols that represented sounds, concepts, or syllables. Because it took so long to learn how to read and write using hieroglyphics, scribes and priest were mainly they only ones who used it. The Mesopotamians used cuneiform. Cuneiform was basically wed-shaped symbols that represented words or syllables. Because so many symbols had to be learned, literacy was confined to a very small group made up of priest and scribes. Cuneiform originated in Mesopotamia but was then used by the Sumerian and Akkadian. Another similarity is both the Mesopotamians and the Egyptians were polytheistic, meaning that they believed in many gods. Both believed that everything happened because of the gods, and if you made the gods mad then you would be punished. The Mesopotamians were a little more skeptical about the gods compared to the Egyptians, the Egyptians were very optimistic about the gods. Also, both groups were very dependent on the gods and prayed to them daily. Many of their gods had to deal with nature. A difference between the two is their rivers. The Egyptians relied on the Nile river. It would flood often, but it was predictable. Because of this, the Egyptians built their homes where they wouldn’t get destroyed. They would also used irrigation to help their crops when the river would flood. The Mesopotamians had the Tigris and Euphrates river. It would flood Mesopotamia at unpredictable times at least once a year. The floods would destroy many homes and buildings. Another difference between Mesopotamia and Egypt is their outlook on death. The Egyptians spent their whole lifetime planning for the afterlife, they even planned their burial. After death hey were mummified and buried with their prized possessions and things such as food to help them along their trip to the afterlife. But the Mesopotamians had a bad outlook on death. They believed they gods were harsh, and did not look forward to the afterlife. As you can see Mesopotamia and Egypt have many similarities and differences. They are similar by both having their own writing systems and they were both polytheistic. They are different because of their outlooks on the afterlife and the flooding of their rivers. Both of these civilizations have shaped us today. Without them we wouldn’t be the world we are now.