Malaysia

• Context and location of Malaysia:

  > In SE Asia

  > 67% of land rainforest

  > Deforestafion fast, 17,000m^2 lost
• Causes of deforestation:

  > Logging:

  • Largest exporter of tropical hardwood

  > Energy:

  • Lots of water- hydroelectric power
  • 700km^2 cleared for Bakhun Dam

  > Mineral extraction (small challenge):

  • Forest cleared for mines- tin- but this has declined since the 80s when Brazil took over

  > Population pressure:

  • 15,000 hectares cleared for settlers

  > Farming (large challenge):

  • commercial- Large exporter of palm oil
• Impacts of Deforestation:

  1. Soil erosion (local impact)- Deforestation = no roots = nutrients washed away = infertile soil
  2. Climate change (global impact)- Deforestation = more co2 = global warming
  3. Positive economic advantage- Development = jobs = money = increased standard of living, GDP
  4. No rainforest = no tourists = loss of jobs/money