Explain two reasons why tropical rainforests are threatened by deforestation

Question (4 marks): Explain two reasons why tropical rainforests are threatened by deforestation.

Mark scheme (2 × 2 marks — point + developed explanation):

• Commercial agriculture (1) — e.g. cattle ranching in Brazil clears land for beef export to meet global demand from TNCs such as JBS (1 development).
• Logging (1) — high demand for hardwoods (mahogany, teak); illegal logging accounts for ~50% of Amazon timber according to Greenpeace 2021 (1 development).
• Mineral extraction (1) — Carajás iron ore mine displaces forest; pollutes rivers via tailings (1 development).
• HEP dam construction (1) — Belo Monte dam flooded 400 km² of forest (1 development).
• Subsistence farming / population pressure (1) — slash-and-burn by small farmers along TransAmazonian Highway (1 development).
• Cap at 4 marks; require TWO distinct reasons.