The Amazon - The Living World Flashcards
Why is slash and burn used to deforest
Used by farmers to create a large area for farming, the ash fertilizes the soil (for 3-5 years)
Its sustainable as it fertilizes the soil allowing for future growth
It causes a significant realease of co2
What percentage of wildfires is slash and burn responsible for
80%
Why is logging used for deforestation
Used to increase lumbar supplies
Selective logging is more popular, causing specific trees (e.g more mahogany trees)
Selective logging causes twice the amount of damage as regular logging
Redponsible for 3% of deforestation
Contributes a relatively small amount of deforestation
Clears area for economic growth
Why is cattle ranching used for deforestation
To create areas for ranching in the amazon
In 2019 there were 66 million cows
Brazil is the largest exporter of beef ($123 billion)
Largest contributor to deforestation
How much deforestation is cause by cattle ranching
80%
Why is the amazon deforested to make room for farming
Its very profitable
5% of Brazils GDP came from farming 2019
Most produced:
Bananas, rubber, cocoa beans
Farming brazil nuts doesnt destroy trees (more sustainable solutions)
Why does mining cause deforestation
Amazon is rich with metals - ion, gold, gold (contains 40% of all brazils minerals
Responsible for 10% deforestation
Exported all over the world as there is a huge demand for metal
Why does hydroelectric power cause deforestation
HEP is a renewable energy
Deforestation occurs when clearing areas to build dams - like the Belo Monta dam and generates 11000 Mw of power
Less than 5% of the amazons deforestation
Good energy source
Cheap electricity of Brazil’s economic development
Management strategies in the amazon - selective logging / replacement
Loggers only choose high value wood like mahogany - protect other trees (they are not cut down)
Trees are also replanted so they can eventually re-grow
Management strategies in the amazon - Eco tourism and conservation
Tourism directed towards exotic (often threatened) natural environments - intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife
In the amazon - Jaguars and Wildlife of Brazils pantanal → 75000 square mile reserve (undisturbed vegetation and wildlife)
(Home to 100 different mammals)
How much does eco tourism make
$720 million
Management strategies in the amazon - international agreements
Cop26 deforestation pledge - promise to end deforestation by 2030
FSC ensures timber is sustainably sourced (their products)
Management strategies in the amazon - debt reduction
Paying a countries debt of if they spend that money on what you say
In 2919 USA + Brazil agreed to convert $21 million into a fund to protect rainforest
It is an incentive to conserve the environment
Corrupt government may not spend the money properly
