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UPSC Mains 2022

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

General Studies Paper - 1, Topic - Natural Resources

Dec 28, 2022

2 min read

Rubber is produced in a number of countries around the world, with the major producing countries being Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, and China. These countries are located in tropical regions, where the climate is warm and humid, which is ideal for growing rubber trees.

 

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However, the production of rubber can have significant environmental impacts. One of the main issues faced by rubber producing countries is deforestation. Rubber trees are often grown on large plantations, which can lead to the clearing of natural forests to make way for cultivation. This can have negative impacts on the environment, including the loss of habitat for wildlife, soil erosion, and the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

 

Another issue faced by rubber producing countries is the use of pesticides and other chemicals in the cultivation of rubber trees. The use of these chemicals can have negative impacts on the environment, including the contamination of soil and water, as well as the potential for harm to human health.

 

Finally, the disposal of rubber waste can also be a significant environmental issue. Rubber products, such as tires, can take hundreds of years to decompose, and the improper disposal of rubber waste can lead to litter and pollution.

 

Overall, rubber producing countries face a number of environmental issues, including deforestation, the use of pesticides and other chemicals, and the disposal of rubber waste. These issues can have significant impacts on the environment and human health, and addressing them is an important challenge for the industry.

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