Impacts of Deforestation: Amazon Rainforest Flashcards
What is the primary argument for deforestation in Brazil?
Economic progress through job creation in sectors such as logging, agriculture, and mining.
What are the short-term benefits of deforestation?
Increased job opportunities and contributions to domestic economic growth and export earnings.
What are the long-term consequences of deforestation?
Irreversible loss of biodiversity and soil fertility, threatening Brazil’s sustained economic future.
What role does the Amazon rainforest play in climate regulation?
It absorbs carbon dioxide, helping to regulate the Earth’s climate.
What happens when deforestation occurs regarding carbon dioxide?
More carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
How does deforestation affect biodiversity?
It diminishes biodiversity, endangering many species and reducing the potential for new medicinal discoveries.
How many species are estimated to be lost daily due to deforestation?
Approximately 137 plant, animal, and insect species.
What two natural cycles are disrupted by deforestation?
The water cycle and the nutrient cycle.
What is the effect of deforestation on the water cycle?
Reduces evapotranspiration, leading to less rainfall and drier conditions.
What percentage of rainforest nutrients comes from trees and plants?
About 80%.
What happens to soil when an area of rainforest is clear-cut?
The soil dries up and becomes prone to erosion.
What is a significant consequence of soil erosion due to deforestation?
Increased flooding as soil is deposited on river beds.
What causes water pollution in the Amazon rainforest?
Activities such as gold mining, which release mercury into rivers.
How many indigenous tribes are estimated to remain in the Amazon?
Around 240 tribes.
What has contributed to the decline of indigenous tribes in the Amazon?
Road construction, logging, reservoir creation, plantations, ranches, and mining.
What percentage of indigenous people in the Amazon are estimated to have died since the arrival of Europeans?
80%.
What is a major conflict arising from deforestation?
Conflicts over land rights between conservationists and developers.
True or False: Deforestation has no impact on the greenhouse effect.
False.
What is one social impact of deforestation on indigenous communities?
Less land available to sustain their traditional way of life.
What is the economic impact of deforestation in Brazil?
Increased jobs in mining, forestry, agriculture, and hydroelectric power.
Fill in the blank: Deforestation may lead to a loss of potential _______.
medicines.
What happens to the soil as a result of deforestation?
It becomes less fertile and drier.
What is the effect of deforestation on the nutrient cycle?
The main store of nutrients is removed with the trees and vegetation.
What is the estimated contribution of deforested areas to Brazil’s GDP?
Almost a quarter.
