The Amazon Rainforest Flashcards
How much of the Amazon is in Brazil?
50%
What is Brazils world ranking for size?
5th
What other countries is the Amazon in?
Peru, Columbia, and Northern Bolivia
How much of the planets surface is covered by the Amazon?
1%
What percentage of the world wildlife species are in the Amazon?
10%
What does the Amazon contribute 10% to globally?
Terrestrial productivity and carbon stores in ecosystems
What are the main drivers of deforestation in the Amazon?
Land use change for other activities and use of its resources
How much of the Amazon rainforest was destroyed between August 2017 and July 2018?
7,900 sq km
What percentage of deforestation is caused by cattle ranching?
80%
Why is forest cleared for cattle ranching?
For grasslands and pastures for cattle grazing, or in the prospect to sell to ranchers and farmers
Why is cattle ranching becoming a more lucrative industry?
The global demand for beef is increasing as the countries become more affluent
What percentage of deforestation is caused by commercial farming?
10%
What are the main crops being cleared for commercial farming?
Palm oil, sugar cane, coffee and soybean
Why did soybean deforestation double between 1990 and 2010?
Brazilian scientists invented a new soybean that grows well in tropical climates
What percentage of deforestation is caused by subsistence farming?
5%