Rubber-producing countries, primarily located in tropical regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, face significant environmental challenges including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation.

Q.15 Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicates the major environmental issues faced by them.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The global distribution of natural rubber production is concentrated in a handful of countries, primarily in Southeast Asia. This distribution has significant environmental implications for the regions involved. 

Body

Distribution of rubber-producing countries

1. Thailand (largest producer)
2. Indonesia
3. Vietnam
4. China
5. India
6. Malaysia
7. Côte d'Ivoire (largest African producer)
8. Brazil (largest South American producer)

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Major environmental issues

1. Deforestation: The expansion of rubber plantations often leads to clearing of natural forests, resulting in habitat loss and biodiversity reduction.
2. Soil degradation: Intensive rubber cultivation can deplete soil nutrients and increase erosion, especially on sloping land.
3. Water pollution: Rubber processing releases chemicals and effluents that can contaminate local water sources.
4. Biodiversity loss: Monoculture rubber plantations support far less biodiversity than natural forests.
5. Carbon emissions: Deforestation for rubber plantations contributes to increased carbon emissions and climate change.
6. Pesticide use: Heavy pesticide application in rubber plantations can harm local ecosystems and human health.
7. Water scarcity: Rubber trees require significant amounts of water, which can strain local water resources in some areas.

Conclusion

These environmental challenges highlight the need for sustainable rubber production practices to balance economic benefits with ecological preservation in these countries.

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