Do You Agree That Rubber Plantations Could Have 'Devastating' Environmental Impact In Asia?

According to an article in Yahoo! News, the expansion of rubber plantations in South East Asia could have a "devastating" environmental impact. Scientists from China, Singapore (National University of Singapore) and the US warned that more than 500,000hectares (1.2 million acres) may have already been converted to rubber plantations in the uplands of China, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. They pressed for a substantial increase in forest preserves.

The researchers predict the area of land dedicated to rubber and other farming systems could more than double or triple by 2050, replacing lands currently occupied by evergreen broadleaf trees and secondary vegetation. The researchers believe that this could result in a significant reduction in carbon biomass, desiccate the region's water systems, and increase the risk of landslides through erosion.