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Rural land degradation has many impacts on people and the environment - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 9 - 2019
Question 9
Rural land degradation has many impacts on people and the environment. Explain the impacts of rural land degradation on a semi-arid or rainforest area you have stud... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Rural land degradation has many impacts on people and the environment - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 9 - 2019
Step 1
Explain the impacts of rural land degradation on a semi-arid area.
Answer
Rural land degradation in semi-arid areas can lead to the reduction of vegetation cover, which is crucial for maintaining soil moisture.
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Cropping and Livestock: This degradation often results from overgrazing and crop production that depletes soil nutrients. The death of livestock due to lack of feed and water affects local economies and leads to food insecurity.
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Soil Erosion: Soil erosion becomes more pronounced, resulting in poorer soil health and a decline in agricultural productivity.
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Economic Strain: Families reliant on agriculture may face economic stress, leading to migration towards urban areas in search of better opportunities.
Step 2
Explain the impacts of rural land degradation on a rainforest area.
Answer
In rainforest areas, rural land degradation has severe ecological consequences that impact both biodiversity and human communities.
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Deforestation: Activities such as logging and the development of agriculture lead to deforestation, which destroys habitats and threatens species with extinction.
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Disruption of Indigenous Communities: This degradation often involves the encroachment on lands important to indigenous peoples, such as the Yanomami, disrupting their way of life and traditional practices.
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Soil Degradation: Nutrient loss due to agricultural practices degrades the soil's fertility and affects the sustainability of farming in these areas.
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Loss of Ecosystem Services: Rainforests provide vital ecosystem services, including carbon storage and climate regulation; degradation negatively impacts these benefits.