Threats to the World's Rainforests
Rainforests are among the most important and yet threatened ecosystems on the planet.
Today, more than half of Earth's original rainforests have all been destroyed, victims of unsustainable agriculture, ranching, logging, mining and other destructive practices. These stresses have increased enormously in the last 50 years alone.
Every year, 50 million acres — an area the size of England, Wales and Scotland combined — are cut down. Primary rainforests in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Haiti have been lost entirely, with the Ivory Coast fast approaching the same fate.
So.......what are the threats to the Tropical Rainforest biome? What specific examples can be used to illustrate these problems?
First offer! European biodiesal subsides are 'fueling'(!) vast forest clearance to enable the growth of
biofuel crops.
To add/ research:
- Unsustainable agricultural practices (in addition to biofuel issues)
- Logging - Fuel Wood/ Paper and Timber production (hardwoods)
- Mining
- Urban growth
- Highway (& other infrastructure) construction
- Unsustainable tourism
Most tropical rainforests are found in LEDC's, however some reference should be made to MEDC's. The Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia is a good starting point!
TASK REMINDER: Produce one or two PowerPoint slides on ONE of the threats (as agreed in the lesson). Make the examples
specific & clearly
located. Use a blank background/ format & comic sans ms font. Email it to Mrs J.
before 10.00 am Monday 5th November! The results of your labours will be published here!
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