Malaysia Rainforest Case Study Flashcards
Where is the Malaysia Rainforest Case Study located?
South East Asia, Peninsular Malaysia and Eastern Malaysia (part of Borneo)
What topic is the Malaysia Rainforest part of?
Living World
What are the 6 main causes of the Malaysia Rainforest deforestation?
1) Energy
2) Resettlement
3) Logging
4) Mining
5) Road Building
6) Subsistence and Commercial Farming
Why is “Subsistence and Commercial farming” a cause for the Malaysia Rainforest deforestation?
Indigenous tribes use ‘slash and burn’ to clear areas and grow food, however can destroy large areas if out of control. Large areas were converted to palm oil plantations in the 1970s, encouraged through provision of 10 year tax breaks. Today, Malaysia is the world’s largest exporter of palm oil, threatening species (orangutans).
Why is ‘mining’ a cause of the Malaysia Rainforest deforestation?
Mining / smelting of tin (Malaysia) and drilling for oil / gas (Borneo). Rainforest cleared to make way for mines and roads. Mining leads to poisonous by-products polluting land and rivers.
Why is ‘logging’ a cause of the Malaysia Rainforest deforestation?
In the 1980s, Malaysia was the world’s largest exporter of tropical trees. Felling was common, leading to total destruction of habitats.
Why is ‘energy’ a cause of the Malaysia Rainforest deforestation?
The $2 billion Bakum Dam in Sarawak, finished in August 2011, it was built to provide HEP for industry impacts that include:
- Flooding of 700km² land
- 9,000 indigenous people were forced to relocate. Some have yet to be compensated, and depression/alcoholism is rife.
Why is ‘resettlement’ a cause of the Malaysia Rainforest deforestation?
Historically, poor urban dwellers in Malaysia were encouraged to move into the countryside to relieve pressure on the cities; a policy known as transmigration.
Why is ‘road building’ a cause for of the Malaysia Rainforest deforestation?
Building roads to access logging, oil, and mining sites in the rainforest leads to illegal logging and mining.
What are the 3 main impacts for the Malaysia Rainforest Case Study?
1) Economic
2) Soil Erosion
3) Climate Change
What is the positive economic impact of the Malaysia Rainforest Case Study?
Jobs from mining, farming, energy, companies pay tax which improved infrastructure.
What are the negative economic impacts of the Malaysia Rainforest Case Study?
- Carbon sink which increases effects of climate change
- Loss of medicinal plants
- Tourism decreases
What is the negative impact of soil erosion in the Malaysia Rainforest Case Study?
No roots binding the soil means wind and rain causes them to re-move through soil erosion and leaching.
What is the negative impact of climate change of the Malaysia Rainforest Case Study?
Cutting down trees means no carbon store and burning releases CO2. Deforestation reduce moisture (trees give off moisture in transpiration) and therefore gives a drier climate.
