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

Model Answer:
Rubber production is an important industry that contributes significantly to the global economy. However, the production of rubber can also have significant environmental impacts, particularly in the countries where it is produced. In this answer, we will describe the distribution of rubber producing countries and indicate the major environmental issues faced by them.

Distribution of Rubber Producing Countries

Rubber is primarily produced in the tropical regions of the world, where the warm and humid climate is favorable for its cultivation. Some of the major rubber producing countries include:

Thailand: Thailand is the largest producer of rubber in the world, accounting for around 36% of global production.

Indonesia: Indonesia is the second-largest producer of rubber, accounting for around 28% of global production.

Vietnam: Vietnam is a major producer of rubber, accounting for around 8% of global production.

India: India is a significant producer of rubber, accounting for around 7% of global production.

Malaysia: Malaysia is a major producer of rubber, accounting for around 6% of global production.

Other significant rubber producing countries include China, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.

Environmental Issues Faced by Rubber Producing Countries

The production of rubber can have significant environmental impacts, particularly in the countries where it is produced. Here are some of the major environmental issues faced by rubber producing countries:

Deforestation: Rubber plantations often require large areas of land, which can lead to deforestation and habitat loss for wildlife. This can have significant impacts on biodiversity and the ecosystem services that forests provide.

Water Pollution: The use of pesticides and fertilizers in rubber cultivation can lead to water pollution, particularly if runoff from the plantations enters nearby rivers or streams. This can have significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Soil Degradation: The intensive cultivation of rubber can lead to soil degradation, particularly if monoculture practices are used. This can reduce the fertility of the soil, making it more difficult to grow other crops in the future.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The production and processing of rubber can also generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if fossil fuels are used to power machinery or transport goods. This can contribute to climate change and its associated impacts.

Social Issues: The production of rubber can also have significant social impacts, particularly if labor standards are not met or if local communities are displaced to make way for rubber plantations.

In conclusion, rubber production is an important industry that contributes significantly to the global economy. However, it can also have significant environmental impacts, particularly in the countries where it is produced. These environmental issues include deforestation, water pollution, soil degradation, greenhouse gas emissions, and social issues. As such, it is important to ensure that rubber production is managed sustainably to minimize its environmental and social impacts.