Changing rates of deforestation

Comparing different places (amazon, congo basin, SE Asia)

• Deforestation has increased for all of the areas

• In 2009 deforestation in SE Asia became the highest in the world

• Deforestation in Congo is much lower than in other locations, but recently have been rising

Why do the rates of deforestation vary from place to place and change over time?

• If there are useful resources which people need from a certain area they may cut more trees down to clear the land.

• in some places people are trying harder to protect the rainforest

• Some places are more remote and not easy to access than others

• Richer places may be able to deforest more than poorer places

• If there are growing populations they may cut down more to supply jobs and resources for more people

• Cities and towns surrounding rainforests will keep expanding depending on the population and therefore there will be a greater need for resources.

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