Lesson 13 - Grassland Conversion

Question 1

Why were grasslands converted?

Answer 1

Subsistence farming
Growing biofuel demand

Question 2

When + were did the Biofuel Rush take place?

Answer 2

2007-15
American Midwest - Priaries

Question 3

What were American farmers encouraged to grow?

Answer 3

Corn
Soya
Rapeseed - Canola
Sugar Cane

Question 4

What did the US EPA’s renewable fuel standard policy aim to do?

Answer 4

Increase ethanol within petrol
Boost incomes of rural states
Reduce dependence on oil imports
Reduce transport CO2 emissions

Question 5

How much grassland disappeared from the Midwest?

Answer 5

5.5m hectares

Question 6

What were grasslands traditionally used for?

Answer 6

Cattle ranching
Local farming

Question 7

What are the benefits of grasslands?

Answer 7

Absorb soil toxins
Act as carbon sink
Trap moisture
Maintain habitats
Terrestrial carbon store

Question 8

What are the drawbacks of converting grasslands?

Answer 8

Habitats reduced
Cultivated soils liable to erosion
Lung Effect reduced
Initial removal releases CO2

Question 9

What are the specific drawbacks of converting grasslands for biofuel growth?

Answer 9

Biofuels require high water consumption
Carbon based nitrogen fertilisers
Chemical pesticide demand

Question 10

What is the Lung Effect?

Answer 10

Function of carbon sink
Absorb CO2
Release O2