Sample Answer
Introduction
Rubber is produced in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, South America and West Africa which provide ideal climatic conditions for rubber trees. However, rubber plantations face significant environmental challenges.
Body
Distribution of rubber producing countries:
- Asia is the largest producer of the world and produces about 91% of the world production, followed by Africa which produces 6%.
- South East Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia are the leading producers of natural rubber.
- In addition to these, Ivory coast, India, Brazil and China also produce a significant share of rubber.
Environmental issues faced by them:
- Deforestation: In order to plant rubber, vast tracts of forest land are cleared which destroy native vegetation base.
- Water stress: Rubber trees in areas having insufficient rainfall, require artificial irrigation which reduces groundwater.
- Soil degradation: These trees devoid the soil of natural moisture.
- Disease outbreaks: Mono-plantation reduces the resistance against diseases and pest attacks.
- Pollution and water contamination: effluent discharge from rubber industries contain high concentrations of acids and sulphates.
Case study: In South-East Asia, rubber monoculture has taken over 250,000 hectares of natural forest and 61,000 hectares of protected area between 2005 and 2010. Over half of these plantations are in areas which are susceptible to insufficient water availability and soil erosion. Scientists have also linked rubber monoculture to reduction in water reserves, soil productivity and biodiversity in South-East Asia.
Conclusion
Therefore focus must be given to grow rubber trees on low-quality, degraded land instead of clearing high-quality natural forests, install water treatment plants and reduce chemical usages in the industries.