VOICED: 'Green fuel' burning up Indonesia's biodiversity

The video discusses the environmental and social impacts of industrial plantations on Sumatra's peatlands. It highlights the reduction in fish catches due to deforestation and land drainage by paper and palm oil companies. The short-term economic benefits are contrasted with long-term environmental costs, including significant carbon emissions. The lack of international pressure on Indonesia to halt these developments poses a global climate risk.

What has caused the decline in fish catches on the Indonesian island of Sumatra?

• Pollution from nearby cities

• Climate change

• Conversion of natural forests to industrial plantations

• Overfishing by local communities

How do the plantations affect the local ecosystem?

• They increase biodiversity

• They improve water quality

• They disturb the ecosystem by draining waterlogged land

• They reduce soil erosion

What is the primary motivation for companies to convert natural forests into plantations?

• To provide local employment

• To preserve wildlife habitats

• To improve air quality

• To achieve short-term economic benefits

What is the potential global impact of draining the peatlands in Sumatra?

• It will improve agricultural productivity worldwide

• It will release a significant amount of carbon, accelerating climate change

• It will increase global biodiversity

• It will reduce global temperatures

Why is there a lack of international pressure on the Indonesian government regarding these developments?

• The developments are beneficial for the global economy

• There is a focus on short-term economic gains over long-term environmental impacts

• The international community is unaware of the situation

• The developments are seen as environmentally friendly