Paper 1 - Amazon Rainforest Flashcards
What is the main cause of deforestation?
Farming
What percentage of forest loss is caused by commercial cattle ranching?
65-70%
What percentage of forest loss is caused by other commercial farming?
5-10%
What percentage of forest loss is caused by subsistence farming?
20-25%
What are some other causes of deforestation?
Logging, mining, road building, energy development (HEP)
What are causes of rapid population growth in the Amazon?
Natural increase and migration from overcrowded cities
Give examples of economic benefits of deforestation
Exports of farm products raises money, mining creates around 3000 jobs
What economic loss is linked to deforestation?
Mining resources are finite therefore its unsustainable
How does deforestation lead to soil erosion?
The removal of tree leaves the soil exposed to daily heavy rainfall. Topsoil can be washed away and nutrients washed out (leaching) leaving infertile soil so the forest can’t regrow
How does deforestation link to climate change?
Fewer trees mean less carbon dioxide will be absorbed leaving more in the atmosphere. If trees are burned, even more carbon dioxide enters the atmosphere. Few trees mean less water is returned to the atmosphere by transpiration so the climate becomes drier over time.
What does sustainable management of the rainforest mean?
Allowing people to benefit from the forest today without causing long term damages so the forest is there for the benefit of future generations.
Name some sustainable management strategies
Selective logging and replanting, ecotourism, debt reduction
How does selective logging and replanting work?
Only the oldest or more valuable trees are felled, taking care to not damage other trees in the process so the forest is able to recover over time.
How does ecotourism work?
Protected areas of the forest such as national parks can be visited by small groups of ecotourists who cause minimum damage and benefit local people.
