Land use and deforestation

• What is considered the most important limited resource for humans?

  Land
• What are some uses of land by humans?

  Building, farming, quarrying, dumping waste
• What is the consequence of using more land for human activities?

  Less land available for other organisms
• What are knock-on effects of converting land?

  Environmental damage and habitat loss
• What is the term for cutting down forests?

  Deforestation
• Why is deforestation primarily done?

  To clear land for farming
• What is one reason for clearing forests besides farming?

  To grow biofuel crops
• What is logging?

  Clearing forests for wood extraction
• Where is deforestation currently happening a lot?

  Tropical regions
• What are the three main problems caused by deforestation?

  1. Reduced carbon dioxide absorption
  2. Release of carbon dioxide from burning
  3. Loss of biodiversity and habitats
• What happens when trees are removed from forests?

  They stop photosynthesizing and absorbing CO2
• How does burning forests affect the atmosphere?

  It releases stored carbon as CO2
• What is the impact of deforestation on biodiversity?

  It massively reduces biodiversity
• What are peat bogs?

  Acidic, waterlogged areas with unique microorganisms
• What is the role of microorganisms in peat bogs?

  They help decay plants in normal conditions
• What substance is formed from partially rotted plants in peat bogs?

  Peat
• How does peat help with global warming?

  It stores carbon instead of releasing it
• What happens when peat bogs are drained?

  Microorganisms decompose plants, releasing CO2
• What is one use of peat besides being a habitat?

  Burning as fuel or compost
• What is the consequence of destroying peat bogs?

  It reduces biodiversity and may cause extinctions
• What are the similarities and differences between deforestation and peat bog destruction?

  Similarities:

  • Both reduce biodiversity
  • Both release stored carbon

  
  

  Differences:

  • Deforestation primarily involves trees
  • Peat bogs involve waterlogged soil and microorganisms
• What is the overall impact of human land use on the environment?

  It leads to habitat destruction and global warming
• What should we do to mitigate the effects of land use?

  Reduce deforestation and protect peat bogs