Intro 1

Chapter Objectives Describe traditional and modern economic activities in Southeast Asia. Explain the kinds of human–environmental interactions that occur in Southeast Asia, and the challenges that the region faces.

People and their Environment Section 2

Objectives Identify dangers posed by volcanoes, floods, and typhoons in Southeast Asia. Describe how economic progress has increased environmental pollution in the region. Discuss the efforts underway to protect the environment in Southeast Asia

Terms to Know Cyclone Typhoon Shifting Cultivation

Geographic View

Geographic Literacy Along coastal regions of northern Java in Indonesia, villagers have created ponds in the salty tidal waters of mangrove forests. In recent years, these ponds–used for farming fish and prawns–have been expanded into nearby inland paddies. There mechanical pumps mix seawater and freshwater that help fish and prawns produce in abundance.

Nature’s Might Much of Southeast Asia is part of the Ring of Fire and is subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Flash floods and typhoons occur periodically. Natural disasters and their effects are part of everyday life in many parts of Southeast Asia. Volcanoes Volcanic eruptions are common throughout the region. The Mayon Volcano in the Philippines erupted in 1993 and again in 2000. Mount Pinatubo, also in the Philippines, erupted in 1991, killing about 800 people. Gunung Agung, a towering volcano on the Indonesian island of Bali, last erupted in 1963, killing more than 1,500 people.

Nature’s Might Floods and Typhoons Flash floods in Southeast Asia kill hundreds of people and devastate 10 million acres (4 million ha) of crops every year. Deforestation has made flooding more severe. The rivers of mainland Southeast Asia flood every year with the change of the seasons. Some sections of Bangkok, which is built on unstable land, sink more than 25 inches (64 cm) each year during the floods. Cyclones and typhoons often smash through Southeast Asia, causing serious damage. Thailand is beginning to build dams to prevent typhoon-related flooding.

Nature’s Might

Environmental Problems Cities Economic growth in Southeast Asia stresses environmental resources. As industrial output increases, the standard of living has risen, but industrial pollution also has affected many areas. Growing populations and crowded urban conditions raise concerns about adequate housing, water supplies, sanitation, and traffic control. In Singapore, strictly enforced environmental laws keep the city extremely clean, making it an exception in Southeast Asia.

Environmental Pollution

Environmental Pollution Rural Areas In some parts of Southeast Asia, pollution extends into the countryside, including national parks. Volcanic eruptions and forest fires cause pollution in rural areas, sometimes affecting cities as well.

Logging Farming, and Mining Deforestation Deforestation is a major concern throughout Southeast Asia. Commercial logging provides the timber that is a chief export in the region; it also leaves soil exposed to erosion. Slash-and-burn agriculture and the clearing of land for large plantations have also damaged forests. Mining The mining of valuable minerals and metals has led to environmental abuses, such as the dumping of rock waste in rivers and forests.

Environmental Protection Some Southeast Asian countries have limited certain timber exports and have begun reforestation programs. Malaysia has a long history of preserving and managing its rain forests. The country still has half of its rain forest cover. Some countries in the region have begun planned migration or resettlement programs.

Environmental Protection

Environmental Protection The Laotian government has tried to resettle highlands people in fertile areas to avoid the problems of shifting farming. Indonesia is planning to move people from crowded islands to less-populated Papua. Scientists are discussing ways to combat the warming of Bangkok, including the establishment of green zones in the city and the banning of skyscrapers near the sea, allowing winds to blow farther into the city and provide more ventilation.

Environmental Protection

Section 2 – Summary Volcanic eruptions, flash floods, and typhoons have serious effects on Southeast Asians’ lives. Industrialization and economic development in Southeast Asia often result in the pollution of air, land, and water. The region’s countries are taking steps to protect the environment.