The production of pulp for the paper industry has been one of the biggest causes of deforestation in parts of Indonesia over the past 20 years. Vast areas of rainforest in Sumatra have been logged and converted into fast-growing plantations consisting of only a single species. These plantations are used to produce fiber for wood-pulp and paper, which is turned into cardboard packaging, fast-food wrappers, printer paper, and junk mail. Just think about how much paper we use on a daily basis: paper, in one form or another, comes with almost every product we buy. In some cases that paper is produced directly through the destruction of rainforests.

Pulp and paper photo gallery

 

Consequently, pulp and paper production is now one of the biggest threats to the critically endangered Sumatran tiger in Indonesia.

Online shopping has not diminished demand for paper products given how much cardboard is now being used in shipping.

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Review questions

  • How does paper and cardboard production affect rainforests?
  • What is an example or where pulp and paper production has had a major impact on the rainforest?
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