The Amazon Rainforest Flashcards
How many people live in the Amazon Rainforest?
47 million people, including more than 2 million indigenous people.
This population relies on the forest for their livelihoods and culture.
How many trees are estimated to be in the Amazon?
Estimated 400 billion trees in the Amazon.
This vast number contributes to the rainforest’s role in carbon storage.
What is the estimated amount of carbon stored in the Amazon?
Estimated 200 billion tons of carbon stored in the Amazon.
This carbon storage is crucial for mitigating climate change.
How much area of the Amazon is cut down every minute?
An area equivalent to 5 football pitches is cut down every minute.
This rapid deforestation poses severe environmental threats.
What are the main causes of deforestation in the Amazon?
Causes include:
* Logging (much of it illegal) for valuable hardwoods such as Mahogany
* Development of HEP
* Cattle ranching
* Small-scale agriculture
* Commercial agriculture
Brazil is the world’s largest beef exporter, which drives cattle ranching.
What percentage of deforestation is caused by cattle ranching?
80% of deforestation is caused by cattle ranching.
Cattle ranching significantly contributes to habitat loss.
What are some impacts of deforestation in the Amazon?
Impacts include:
* Increase in Brazil’s GNI
* Global contribution to climate change
* Loss of biodiversity and habitats
* Localised climate change
* Increase soil erosion
* Conflicts between locals and developers
These impacts affect both local communities and global ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: Deforestation occurs when _______ is removed.
[vegetation]
The removal of vegetation disrupts the ecosystem.
What happens to the soil after deforestation?
Soil becomes unable to support further vegetation growth and is easily eroded away by rain.
The loss of nutrients makes recovery difficult.
What is the effect of less vegetation on soil?
Less vegetation to protect the soil leads to increased soil erosion.
Erosion further degrades the land and affects agriculture.
What was the population increase of the Amazon from 2010 to 2012?
Population increased from 154,000 in 2010 to 220,000 in 2012.
This rapid growth can lead to increased pressure on natural resources.
