Answer: 

Introduction:

Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene, an organic compound. Thailand is the largest producer of rubber in the world followed by Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, India and China. These nations are located in tropical regions. Their climate is warm and humid which is ideal for growing rubber trees.

Body:

Major environmental issues faced by these country:

• Deforestation: The rubber industry has led to the conversion of large areas of natural forests into rubber plantations. This deforestation has caused the loss of biodiversity and habitats of many species, contributing to the decline of their populations. E.g Brazil
• Soil degradation: The cultivation of rubber trees on a large scale has led to soil degradation, causing a decline in soil fertility and productivity. The extensive use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers has also polluted soil and water resources. E.g Venezuela.
• Water pollution: The rubber industry uses significant amounts of water for irrigation, which can lead to the depletion of water resources and the pollution of water bodies due to the discharge of agrochemicals. E.g Peru
• Climate change: The rubber industry contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gasses, primarily through deforestation, land-use change, and the use of fossil fuels for transportation. E.g Brazil
• Labor and human rights issues: The rubber industry is associated with labor and human rights violations, including exploitation of workers, child labor, and land grabbing from indigenous communities.

Conclusion:

The rubber industry is an important economic sector for several countries, but it is associated with significant environmental issues. WWF’s goal is to have the majority of companies that produce and use rubber commit to sustainably and ethically produced rubber.