Chapter 4 Flashcards
How was deforestation an important step in human evolution?
Influenced change from hunting > sedentary agriculture, first towns and villages, language, money, social organization, labour division
Where is deforestation a particular concern?
Especially in tropical rainforests
What are the causes of deforestation?
Agriculture, ranching (meat/cattle), logging, modernization
What are the consequences of deforestation?
Hydrology, soil degradation, climate impacts, loss of flora/fauna, impact on indigenous livelihoods
How can tropical forests be managed in general?
Population growth, employment, global economy
How can tropical forests be managed systemically?
Highway construction, subsidies on farming/agriculture, energy subsidies, proper forest protection
Where is forest cover relatively stable and where is it declining?
In high latitudes (north) it is stable/increasing, in tropic areas there is most loss
How does road building contribute to deforestation?
Construction of a new road immediately results in deforestation, and opens the way for settlers to cut down trees nearby for other purposes.
How is meat consumption tied to deforestation in South America?
Sharp growth in the international market for beef created a growing force for agricultural expansion in Amazon.
How do countries like Cote d’Ivoire view their forests?
It views the nation’s forests as a source of revenue and foreign exchange. Has no choice but to exploit resources due to high debt.
How did colonialism contribute to deforestation?
Heavy clearance for agriculture to export resources elsewhere, caused degradation and mass deforestation.
What are some benefits forests provide to societies?
Food, timber, raw materials, jobs and income
How do forests act as a support system?
By regulating local climates, water flow and nutrient cycles. Reservoir for biodiversity and habitats.
What are the structural changes needed to slow illegal logging in places like the Amazon?
Slowing population growth, improving employment opportunities in labor agriculture and urban areas outside the Amazon.
What is the most common policy used to limit tropical forest degradation and loss?
Establishing legal protection for forest areas.
Why is selective harvesting preferable over clear cutting?
It provides a regular yield of forest produce without destroying or radically altering the composition and structure of the forest as a whole.
How might changing the length of logging concessions help protect forests?
Reduces damage to the canopy, facilitates log removal, reduces soil erosion, allows recovery of forest, minimizes negative effects, provides renewable resources
Once the forests are cleared what other uses are there for the cleared land?
Convert to fields, cattle ranches
What four initiatives have been suggested to promote sustainable forest management?
Assure the legality of forest products through international partnership agreements
strengthen programmes promoting responsible forest product management
recognize the carbon benefits from tropical forest management
devolve control over forests to indigenous and other rural communities
What are some of the non-timber products that can be harvested from forests?
Medicinal plants, fruits, nuts, rubber
