Malaysia (deforestation) Flashcards
What and where in the continent is Malaysia?
South East Asia
How much of the land in Malaysia is covered by tropical vegetation?
67%
What was the total area of forest lost in Malaysia between 2000 and 2013?
An area larger than Denmark
What 7 causes of deforestation are there in Malaysia?
Logging Road building Mineral extraction Energy development Commercial farming Subsistence farming Population pressure
When did Malaysia become the worlds largest exporter of tropical wood (linked with logging)?
1980s
Why is road building linked to deforestation in Malaysia (4 things)?
Logging requires roads to take away timber and bring in machinery
Roads are needed for access to mining areas
Roads are needed for new settlements
Roads are needed for new energy projects
What minerals are commonly extracted in Peninsula Malaysia? What about Borneo?
Tin and Smelting in Peninsula Malaysia
Oil and gas in Borneo
What is the name of the hydroelectric dam in Malaysia? Where does it supply energy to? When did it start? What area of land has it flooded?
The Bakun Dam
Supplies energy for industrialised Peninsula Malaysia
Started in 2011
The dam’s reservoir floods 700km^2 of forest and farmland
What is Malaysia the worlds largest exporter of?
Palm oil
What do palm oil plantation owners receive?
A 10 year tax incentive
What year were huge areas of land converted to palm oil plantations?
1970s
Describe two methods of subsistence farming
Tribal people clear small pockets of rainforest to hunt, gather food and plant crops
Another method is slash and burn - using fire to clear land
How does population pressure affect deforestation?
Poor urban people were encouraged to move from cities to the countryside and between 1956 - 1980s 15,000 hectares of rainforest were felled for the settlers
How does deforestation effect soil?
It causes soil erosion
The roots that were binding soil together that are now gone mean soil is loose and erodes away easily
How does deforestation affect biodiversity?
It destroys ecosystems and habitats, leading to a loss of biodiversity
Why are Malaysia’s plants significant?
There are many undiscovered ones which could be cures for diseases
How many species are there in Malaysia?
Over 600
What species do palm oil plantations threaten, and when do scientists predict they will become extinct?
Orangutans and in 10 years
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Less photosynthesis -> less carbon dioxide absorbed and less oxygen emitted
Carbon dioxide is responsible for global warming
Less transpiration -> drier climate (no water evaporation from trees) -> hotter climate (moisture cools atmosphere)
How is deforestation positive economically for locals?
It creates jobs both directly and indirectly
How is improved transport infrastructure (due to deforestation) in Malaysia positive?
Opens up areas of land for factories and tourism
How are new companies a positive impact of deforestation?
They pay taxes to the government which can improve development when spent on healthcare and education
What could cause water shortages, linked with deforestation?
Polluted water and a dry climate
What kind of energy will be cheap and plentiful as a result of deforestation?
Hydroelectric
What in relation to deforestation can easily become out of control, causing pollution and huge environmental damage?
The use of fire in clearing large areas of forest
Why do people burn trees to clear areas of land?
It’s fast and leaves the soil nutrient-rich (fertile)
What could devastate some forms of farming, such as tea, fruit and flower farming?
Rising temperatures
What is a concern about the growing number of endangered plants?
Many could bring high profits and medical benefits
What could happen to the number of tourists visiting an area following deforestation?
It could decrease
Why is a decrease in tourism negative?
It brings jobs for the locals and benefits the economy through the introduction of “new” money
