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Deforestation in the Amazon - Coggle Diagram
Deforestation in the Amazon
Global impacts:
Climate Change
Deforestation stops the rainforest being able to absorb carbon dioxide
Loss of biodiversity
137 plant, animal & insect species lost daily due to deforestation
5,000 a year
30-45% reduction in species diversity in parts of the Amazon by 2030
Local impacts:
Water cycle
Once trees fall, evapotranspiration reduces along with the return of moisture to the atmosphere
Leads to less convection rainfall & drier conditions & the climate warming harming agricultural activities that the forest is cleared for
Nutrient cycle
80% of rainforest's nutrients come from trees & plants
20% of nutrients in soil
When trees are cut, the soil dries in the sun & when it rains it is washed away
When land is cleared for grazing & plantations, it quickly becomes infertile leading to further forest clearance
Soil erosion
The removal of topsoil means little vegetation will grow
Soil erosion leads to flooding as the soil becomes deposited on river beds
Water pollution
Gold mining: Mercury used to seperate gold from the ground & enters rivers, poisoning fish & people living in nearby towns
Indigenous people
Only 240 tribes left compared to 330 in 1900
Many people forced from the forest due to:
Road construction
Logging
Creation of plantations, reservoirs & ranches
Opening of mines
Settlement growth