Factors that account for differences in land cover change between two countries

Question 1

Brazil - Gov Policy

Answer 1

• Between 1978 and 1988, over 20 000 square kilometres were cut down each year
• Government policy change = decline of 83% rate of deforestation between 2004 and 2014 due to forest code, only 20% of farmland could be cleared, and the rest must be protected

Question 2

Aus - Gov Policy

Answer 2

• WA’s forest management plan 2024-2033 restrictions on forestry and preserves around 400 000 ha of forests (but this does not prevent clearing for mining)
• Softwood plantations received $350 million from government funds for sustainable timber production

Question 3

Brazil - Land Ownership

Answer 3

• high inequality of land ownership, 45% of all land owned by 1% of the population
• Brazil’s mineral deposits lie within Indigenous lands, which cover 12% of the country, and create pressure on the mining sector

Question 4

Aus - Land Ownership

Answer 4

• Land can be privately bought, owned and sold in Australia
• Over 43% of the protected areas are publicly owned
• Over 40% of the protected areas are classified as Indigenous Protected Areas, proportion is increasing

Question 5

Brazil - Type of Economy

Answer 5

• Brazil has 3.7 million square kilometres of protected land, under pressure to utilise due to economic growth
• Brazil has one of the top 10 highest GDPs of all countries

Question 6

Aus - Type of Economy

Answer 6

• 12% of Australia’s exports were from Agriculture from 2020 - 2021
• Agriculture accounts for 55% of land use
• Mining leases account for 0.6% of land use and contribute $300 B to Australia’s economy

Question 7

Brazil - Culture and Ideology

Answer 7

• 2004 - 2014, farmers adapted methods of land clearing to avoid detection of the new ‘Green Code’ policies
• Government policies shifted to encourage cattle and soybean production, emphasis on economic growth

Question 8

Aus - Culture and Ideology

Answer 8

• Australia’s society values its natural environment and outdoor lifestyle
• Australia’s love of the beach resulted in urban sprawl and land clearing along the coast, with more than 85% of Australians living within 50km of the ocean