Deforestation and land use

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

  Land
• Why is land usage a concern for other organisms?

  More land use reduces habitat for organisms
• What are the knock-on effects of converting land?

  It damages the environment further
• What activities do humans use land for?

  • Building towns and cities
  • Quarrying for resources
  • Farming
  • Dumping waste
• What is the term for cutting down forests?

  Deforestation
• What is the main reason for deforestation?

  To clear land for farming
• What are biofuels?

  Plant-based fuels burned instead of fossil fuels
• What is logging?

  The process of obtaining wood from forests
• Where is deforestation currently happening a lot?

  In tropical regions with rainforests
• What are the three main problems caused by deforestation?

  1. Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  2. Release of carbon during burning
  3. Loss of biodiversity and habitats
• How does deforestation contribute to global warming?

  It increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere
• What happens when forests are burned during clearing?

  They release stored carbon as carbon dioxide
• What is the impact of deforestation on biodiversity?

  It massively reduces biodiversity
• What are peat bogs?

  Waterlogged, acidic areas with unique soil
• Why can't microorganisms decay plants in peat bogs?

  Too acidic and waterlogged for survival
• What is peat?

  Partially rotted plants that build up in bogs
• How does peat help reduce global warming?

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

  Microorganisms decompose plants, releasing carbon
• What is a consequence of removing peat?

  Release of carbon dioxide
• How quickly are peat bogs being destroyed?

  Much more quickly than they can form
• What is the impact of destroying peat bogs on biodiversity?

  It reduces biodiversity and may cause extinctions
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