Land Cover Change Processes

Question 1

Deforestation

Answer 1

• removal or clearing of forests generally for other uses, such as agriculture and urban development
• forests are important in providing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide
• providing a habitat for over 80% of the world’s biodiversity.
• 50% of Indonesia’s rainforest and 90% of West Africa’s coastal rainforests have disappeared since 1900

Question 2

Mining

Answer 2

• 1% of the world’s land is currently used for mining, including 0.02% of Australia’s land surface
• Mining has significant impacts on biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, water quality and human health.
• changes to abiotic and biotic conditions,
• Mining generates $270 Billion in export revenue in 2020 (67% of total export revenue)