Lesson 14 - Forest Loss

Question 1

Describe the net change in global forested area from 2000 - 2012

Answer 1

2.3m km^2 lost
0.8m km^2 gained
-1.5m net loss

Question 2

Which forests accounted for the most severe losses?

Answer 2

Tropical forests
Mainly through intensive forestry
32% of global loss

Question 3

Which commodity has contributed significantly to the loss of forested land?

Answer 3

Palm oil
Rapidly rising demand
66m tonnes produced annually

Question 4

Which regions have been affected by palm oil demand?

Answer 4

Tropics
Perfect growing conditions
Rainforest bulldozed + burned for plantations

Question 5

Where is deforestation trending upwards on a global scale?

Answer 5

Emerging economies
Industrialisation
E.g., Indonesia

Question 6

What are the local impacts of forest loss?

Answer 6

Flood risk
Loss of habitats
Loss of culture
Biodiversity
Health + air quality reduced

Question 7

What are the economic implications of forest loss?

Answer 7

Reduced tourism
Loss of indigenous communities
Local migration
Poverty + inequality

Question 8

What are the health consequences of forest loss?

Answer 8

Aerosol emissions
Impaired air quality
Human respiratory problems
Brazil - 181% hospitalisation increase

Question 9

How did global forested area change between 1990 and 2015?

Answer 9

3% reduction

Question 10

What are the general pessimistic viewpoints regarding forest loss?

Answer 10

Still suffering a net loss
Biodiversity + cycles still at threat
Development - Degredation correlation