B18.4 Deforestation and peat destruction

Question 1

What are the 3 main reasons for deforestation?

Answer 1

To grow stable food such as rice or ingredients such as palm oil
To rear more cattle particularly for the beef market
Grow crops that can produce biofuel

Question 2

How does deforestation lead to more CO2 in the atmosphere?

Answer 2

Burning the trees leads to an increase in CO2 from combustion
After deforestation the dead vegetation decomposes and microorganisms use up O2 and release more CO2 into the atmosphere

Question 3

What is a peat?

Answer 3

Made up of plant material that cannot decay because the conditions are very acidic

Question 4

What are the uses for peat?

Answer 4

Burnt as a fuel

Used to improve the properties of the soil and provide an ideal environment for seed germination