17. How has human activity affected the TRF? - use an example

Question 1

Why did deforestation occur in INdonesia

Answer 1

Demand for paper, pulp, plywood, palm oil and disputes over land rights led to rise.

Question 2

Explain the 1997-98 forest fires Indonesia?

Answer 2

1997-98 - huge fires, more than 8 million hectares had been burnt. Estimated that these fires produced more CO2 than all the living things on earth remove from the atmosphere in one year.

Question 3

How many hectares is cleared each year? WHat’s the imapct?

Answer 3

1 million hectares cleared each year - 70% on mineral soils and 30% on peat. The peat, once exposed, is easily eroded by wind and rain. The increased rates of decomposition have turned them into a source not a sink.