GS Question

The distribution of rubber producing countries is primarily concentrated in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. These countries have favorable tropical climates and extensive rubber plantations, making them the leading contributors to global rubber production.

However, these rubber-producing countries encounter various significant environmental issues, including:

1. Deforestation: Rubber plantations often require clearing large areas of forests, resulting in extensive deforestation. This leads to the loss of biodiversity and habitats for many species, disrupts ecosystem functioning, and contributes to climate change.

2. Land degradation: Continuous rubber cultivation can deplete soil fertility, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and increased reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The excessive use of these chemicals can contaminate water sources and harm local communities and ecosystems.

3. Water scarcity and pollution: Rubber plantations require substantial water resources for irrigation. This can lead to the depletion of local water sources, causing water scarcity for nearby communities and ecosystems. Moreover, the runoff of agrochemicals from plantations can pollute rivers, lakes, and groundwater, impacting aquatic life and local populations.

4. Air pollution: The process of harvesting and processing rubber involves the burning of rubber tree wood and the usage of chemicals, releasing harmful emissions into the air. These emissions contribute to air pollution and can adversely affect air quality, human health, and surrounding ecosystems.

5. Climate change: Deforestation for rubber cultivation significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, as trees play a vital role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, the use of fossil fuels for rubber processing and transportation further adds to the carbon footprint. This exacerbates climate change and its associated impacts, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

6. Social impacts: Rubber production often involves labor-intensive practices, which can lead to social issues such as poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitation of workers, particularly in countries with weak labor regulations and enforcement.

Addressing these environmental issues requires sustainable rubber production practices, including responsible land management, promoting agroforestry approaches, reducing chemical inputs, adopting water-efficient irrigation methods, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Additionally, stricter regulations and improved enforcement regarding labor rights and environmental protection can help mitigate the environmental and social impacts of rubber production.