G1B: Malaysia Flashcards
3 reasons for the rainforest importance
Carbon sink-Amazon absorbs 5% of worlds emissions. Trees stroe tonnes of carbon so when cut release this.
Natural resources- 25% of all medicines come from the rainforest. They are rich in natural resources like rubber.
Wildlife-A huge biodiversity its important to protect these areas to conserve the wildlife. 50% of the worlds specicies are located in the Amazon
How much of the rainforest covers Malaysia
67%
3 reasons for rainforest loss and percentage lost in 2000-2013
14% size of Denmark
Logging- Malaysia was top exporter for timber in 1980s. Selecticve loggin wasnt used so lots of trees were cut down to meet the demand.
Energy Development- Hydroelectric Power is rapidly growing. Construction of a damn flooded over 700 km^2 of land which displaced indigenous communities.
Mineral Extraction- Vast reserves in metals and gemstones which require mining. Tonnes of aluminum ores. Large areas of land is destroyed to mine away these resources.
3 impacts of deforestation in Malyasia
Loss of biodiversity- Thorugh deforestation mulitple plants and animals are killed. Reducing biodiveristy which can disrupt the food web.
Contributing to climate change- Trees absorb tonnes of carbon during their lifespan so by cutting them down trees carbon dioxide reenters the atmosphere.
Soil erosion-Soil takes thousands of years to form. The soil in rainforests is very infertile and the top layer holds the most nutrients. When trees are removed rain can easily wash the nutrients away
3 Economic gains of deforestation
Hydro-electric power provides cheap energy.
Improved transport infrastructure opens up new areas for industrial development and tourism.
Products such as oil palm and rubber provide great materials for processing industries.
3 Economic losses of deforestation
Plants that could bring huge medical benefits and
high profits may become extinct.
The number of tourists attracted by rainforests could
decrease.
Climate change will have more disastrous effects from deforestation
