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

Model Answer:

Distribution of Rubber Producing Countries and Their Environmental Issues

Rubber production is a significant agricultural activity with major environmental implications. The distribution of rubber-producing countries is primarily concentrated in tropical regions across Asia, Africa, and South America.

The main rubber-producing countries include:
• Southeast Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam
• South Asia: India
• East Asia: China
• Africa: Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Liberia
• South America: Brazil

Southeast Asia dominates global production, with Thailand being the world’s largest producer. Recent years have seen expansion in non-traditional areas like Northeast India and Southern China.

These rubber-producing countries face several critical environmental issues:

1. Deforestation and biodiversity loss:
– Clearing of tropical forests for rubber plantations
– Loss of habitat for diverse species (e.g., Sumatran tigers, orangutans)

2. Soil degradation:
– Erosion due to monoculture cultivation
– Depletion of soil nutrients

3. Water-related problems:
– Increased water consumption for plantations
– Pollution from rubber processing effluents (e.g., Mekong River contamination)

4. Climate change impacts:
– Reduction in carbon sinks due to forest clearance
– Greenhouse gas emissions from land-use changes

5. Socio-economic issues:
– Displacement of indigenous communities
– Land conflicts (e.g., Cambodia’s rubber boom)

6. Chemical pollution:
– Use of pesticides and fertilizers affecting local ecosystems

Conclusion: Balancing rubber production with environmental conservation requires sustainable practices, stricter regulations, and international cooperation to mitigate these pressing ecological challenges.