Key concepts
The main environmental risks are:
- Soil erosion
- Desertification (the turning of fertile land to infertile land as a result of soil erosion)
- Enhanced global warming
- Pollution (water, air, noise, visual)
Desertification
Desertification — the turning of fertile land to infertile land as a result of soil erosion.
Reasons for desertification
- Climate change
- Deforestation
- Over-cultivation
- Overgrazing
- Population growth
Currently 500 million people live within areas experiencing desertification.
Climate change
| Causes | Impacts |
|---|---|
| Landfill sites (biodegradable waste breaks down into 55% methane, 45% CO2) | Sea levels rise; increased flooding; displacement of people |
| Burning of fossil fuels | Droughts |
| Deforestation | Ski resorts forced to close |
| Agriculture | Animals die as they cannot adapt quick enough |
| New crops may start popping up | |
| Health related risks such as heat stroke |
The greenhouse effect
- Short wave radiation is released from the sun and reaches Earth.
- Some rays are reflected whilst others are absorbed, warming the Earth.
- The Earth emits this radiation back out in the form of long wave radiation.
- The greenhouse gases trap the radiation, warming the atmosphere even more.
Case study: Palm oil in Malaysia
An area where economic development is taking place and causing the environment to be at risk.
Why is palm oil produced?
- It is high in yield (compared to other edible oils)
- Multipurpose (used for food, cosmetics, fuel)
- Cheap to produce and manage
Facts and the main impacts of palm oil plantations
- 4.5 million people earn a living through palm oil in Indonesia and Malaysia (jobs)
- There are currently approximately 18,000,000 hectares of palm oil plantations on the planet (air pollution due to slash and burn cultures + deforestation/global warming contribution)
- Loss of Orangutans, Sumatran Tigers and Rhinos (loss of biodiversity)