Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Definition of Natural Rubber: Briefly describe natural rubber and its significance as a polymer derived from isoprene. Importance of Rubber Production: Mention the economic relevance of rubber production globally. 2. Distribution of Rubber Producing Countries Geographical Focus: Identify that ...
Human activities such as unregulated construction and tourism have heightened the risk of natural calamities in ecologically fragile regions like Kedarnath. Rampant construction without proper appraisal of environmental impact has resulted in deforestation and soil erosion, and has also interfered wRead more
Human activities such as unregulated construction and tourism have heightened the risk of natural calamities in ecologically fragile regions like Kedarnath. Rampant construction without proper appraisal of environmental impact has resulted in deforestation and soil erosion, and has also interfered with natural water drainage systems, increasing the susceptibility of the area to landslides, floods and other natural disasters. The devastating Kedarnath flood disaster in 2013 brought this into focus when haphazard buildings and roads compounded the loss of lives and property.
Tourism though economically beneficial, has caused too much environmental degradation in the region. The inflow of visitors makes it necessary to put up a lot of infrastructure which in turn consumes large tracts of natural habitats and also generates more waste, thus polluting the environment further.
To achieve sustainable development in such regions, it is of primary importance to enforce environmental laws. Construction in general, must be limited and if at all undertaken then only using eco-friendly practices. Similarly, promotion of eco-tourism involves locals and reduces environment impacts. Reforestation should be promoted at construction sites, waste should be properly disposed off and sustainable construction materials should be used.
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Model Answer Introduction Natural rubber, derived from the polymerization of isoprene, is predominantly produced in tropical regions. Thailand is the largest producer, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, India, and China. These countries benefit from warm and humid climates, ideal for rubber treRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Natural rubber, derived from the polymerization of isoprene, is predominantly produced in tropical regions. Thailand is the largest producer, followed by Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, India, and China. These countries benefit from warm and humid climates, ideal for rubber tree cultivation.
Distribution of Rubber Producing Countries
The major rubber-producing countries are located near the equator, where the climatic conditions support rubber tree growth. Thailand leads global production, contributing approximately 30% of the world’s rubber supply (Source: “FAO Statistical Yearbook). Indonesia and Vietnam follow closely, with Brazil, India, and China also playing significant roles in the rubber market.
Major Environmental Issues Faced by Rubber Producing Countries
1. Deforestation
The expansion of rubber plantations has resulted in significant deforestation, particularly in Brazil. This process leads to habitat loss and threatens biodiversity, as native species are displaced or driven to extinction (Source: “Deforestation in the Amazon” – World Wildlife Fund).
2. Soil Degradation
In Venezuela, extensive rubber cultivation has caused soil degradation, leading to reduced fertility and productivity. The heavy use of agrochemicals further exacerbates soil and water pollution (Source: “Soil Degradation and Its Impact” – Food and Agriculture Organization).
3. Water Pollution
In Peru, the rubber industry’s irrigation practices have led to water depletion and pollution from agrochemical runoff, harming aquatic ecosystems (Source: “Water Pollution from Agriculture” – World Resources Institute).
4. Climate Change
Deforestation linked to rubber production contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases. Brazil is particularly affected, as land-use changes and fossil fuel consumption increase carbon emissions (Source: “Climate Change and Deforestation” – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
5. Labor and Human Rights Issues
The rubber industry is often associated with labor exploitation, including child labor and land grabbing from indigenous communities, raising serious ethical concerns regarding its sustainability (Source: “Labor Rights in the Rubber Industry” – Human Rights Watch).
Conclusion
While the rubber industry is a vital economic sector for many tropical countries, it poses significant environmental challenges. Efforts by organizations like WWF aim to promote sustainable practices in rubber production to mitigate these issues and protect ecosystems.
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