Question

What is the central argument of the López-Carr and Burgdorfer article (Deforestation Drivers)?

a) Forest degradation leads to climate change.
b) Economic development encourages deforestation.
c) Government policies contribute to forest conservation.
d) Urbanization reduces the demand for forest resources.

Answer 1

The López-Carr and Burgdorfer article argues that tropical deforestation is now driven by private sector interests in agriculture due to global demands rather than by government rural development policies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central argument of the López-Carr and Burgdorfer article on Deforestation Drivers is that the primary causes of tropical deforestation have transitioned from government-led initiatives for rural development to private sector interests in large-scale agriculture and commodity booms. This shift is driven by a global demand for biofuels, rising standards of living in developing countries, and financial incentives for large-scale crops, livestock, and tree plantations. Furthermore, while small-scale farming impacts might be stabilizing due to urbanization, the expansive deforestation caused by the private sector poses new challenges for the global environment, affecting local climates, agricultural productivity, and biodiversity.