Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them.
1. Natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) thrives in
Natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) thrives in hot, humid equatorial and tropical climates with heavy rainfall.
2. Southeast Asia dominates world production: Thailand
Southeast Asia dominates world production: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia together lead output.
3. India is a major producer
India is a major producer, with Kerala alone contributing about 90% of domestic output.
4. African producers include Nigeria
African producers include Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Cameroon; Sri Lanka and China add Asian output.
5. Rubber’s native range is the Amazon
Rubber’s native range is the Amazon basin, but commercial production shifted overwhelmingly to Southeast Asia.
6. Plantation expansion has driven deforestation of
Plantation expansion has driven deforestation of tropical rainforests, fragmenting habitats and reducing biodiversity.
7. Monoculture plantations degrade soils
Monoculture plantations degrade soils, deplete water and raise vulnerability to pests and diseases like South American leaf blight.
8. Carbon emissions rise from forest clearing
Carbon emissions rise from forest clearing, while local communities face land displacement and labour concerns.
9. Sustainable certification
Sustainable certification, agroforestry and replanting programmes can reconcile rubber demand with forest conservation.
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