 Though South America consumes
relatively little paper (In 2006 all of Latin America accounted
for 6% of consumption) it is increasingly becoming a source of
pulp for the rest of the world. It has been estimated that by
2010 14.6 million tons of pulp will be
produced annually in the
region, and that pulp exports from South America will account
for 25% of global pulp exports. Much of this pulp production is
supported by monoculture
tree farms which replace diverse
forests, and often requires displacing entire communities.
In a region where wealth and land ownership are highly concentrated in the hands of a few, forcing entire
communities from their land only serves to exacerbate social
inequity. Low labor costs, a climate suitable for fast growing
trees, tax breaks and other government subsidies makes South
America particularly attractive to those seeking to establish
plantations for pulp and other forests products. Countries that
have been particularly hard hit by the expanding pulp industry
include Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.
Resources
Banks Pulp and People provides an In depth look at the pulp and paper industry, its social and
environmental impacts around the world and the role banks play
in financing and encouraging unsustainable practices.
Banks Pulp and People: Impacts in Brazil
Banks Pulp and
People: Impacts in Uruguay
Forest Ethics Chile Forest Ethics site focused on the impacts of tree plantations in
Chile
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