Deforestation - 2 Flashcards
Describe the reasons behind deforestation in Sumatra.
Forests are being logged for pulp and paper industries, to clear land for palm oil plantations, and the mining industry.
The government is selling leases for large masses of land due to the need for the country’s economic growth.
Palm oil plantations supply commodities such as toilet paper, biofuels and vegetable oils, which are every day products. Thus growing amounts of palm oil are needed every day.
List environmental impacts of deforestation on Sumatra
The country has lost half of it’s forest cover since 1985. This has resulted in mass habitat loss, and the critically endangered state of Sumatra’s native animals, e.g orangutang, Sumatran tiger.
Sumatra’s forests and peatlands have acted as huge carbon sinks. The logging and burning of these carbon sinks has led to releases of huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This has contributed significantly to global warming.
List economic impacts on Sumatra due to deforestation.
Forest and commodity based exports contribute significant revenue to Indonesia’s economy - $21 billion to the national GDP. Industries associated with deforestation in Indonesia employ nearly 4,000,000 people.
List the social impacts on Sumatra due to deforestation
Many Sumatrans who once relied on the forests are losing their livelihood. This has led to many falling into poverty.
As a result, there are increases in rural to urban migration, as villagers have to relocate in order to find employment.
There have been increasing protests and conflict over and ownership between locals and palm oil companies. In 2012, more than 600 land conflicts were recorded in palm plantations.
State a local response to sumatras deforestation.
There have been large increases in rural to urban migration, as villagers have to relocate in order to find employment.
There have been increasing protests and conflict over and ownership between locals and palm oil companies. In 2012, more than 600 land conflicts were recorded in palm plantations.
