Who's Destroying Forests Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the various roles of forests?
Protect from floods, regulate rainfall, control greenhouse effect
Why have 75% of forests disappeared?
Tropical rainforests are being slashed and burned to satisfy the lumber and food industries.
Where are the majority of the world’s forests located?
Amazon, Russia, Canada
How did we view deforestation before WW2?
It was considered a sign of progress as a society
What replaced most forest cover in Europe?
Farms and pastures.
What are the real causes of deforestation?
Lumber companies cut trees on a grand scale, export crops, extensive cattle farming, industrial plantations, mining and oil companies.
What is the impact of deforestation on poorer communities?
Inequality and poverty have increased.
By 2000, how much of the Amazon was lost?
15%
Why is farming a bad idea in tropical areas?
The soil of the jungle is infertile. It loses its capacity for growth after a few years.
What role do forests play in helping governments quell social unrest?
Giving free access to portions of forest land to quell social revolt.
What is the main cause of deforestation in the Amazon now?
Clearing lands for farming of soybeans.
What is the role of multinational corporations?
Control the business of basic commodities in the US and Europe.
What are the 4 most important food crops in terms of gross value?
Rice, wheat, corn, banana
Where does most of the income from banana production and export go?
90% north, never reaches farmer or producer
How is deforestation related to female impoverishment in Asia?
Laws in Asian countries forbid women to pick branches and fodder, yet have no limits on lumber companies.
Where does the majority of beef production in the Amazon go?
US and European markets.
What is the “hamburger effect”?
Direct correlation between increase in beef consumption in northern countries and deforestation <> loss of wealth and biodiversity in the rest of the world
What is a short-term solution to slow deforestation?
Create a network of protected areas against out of control exploitation.
What are the alternatives to deforestation?
Promote sustainable development, agroforestry, ecotourism, regulate exploitation of wood
