Natural rubber production is geographically concentrated, with a vast majority originating from a specific tropical belt. Southeast Asia is the powerhouse, accounting for over 90% of the world's supply. Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam are the top three producers, followed by Malaysia, India, and China. African nations like Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria are also significant producers, but on a much smaller scale. This distribution is tied to the climatic needs of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), which thrives in the hot, humid conditions and heavy rainfall found near the equator.

While economically vital, this concentration of rubber cultivation has led to significant environmental issues.

1. Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss: The primary issue is the large-scale clearing of pristine tropical rainforests to make way for rubber plantations. This destruction of natural habitats leads to a catastrophic loss of biodiversity, endangering countless species of flora and fauna that depend on complex forest ecosystems.
2. Monoculture Risks: Rubber is grown in vast monocultures. This practice depletes soil nutrients over time, increases vulnerability to pests and diseases, and drastically reduces the ecological resilience of the region compared to a diverse forest.
3. Water Scarcity and Pollution: Rubber trees consume large amounts of water, potentially leading to shortages in local water tables. Furthermore, the processing of latex into rubber sheets requires chemicals and generates wastewater, which, if not treated properly, can pollute local rivers and streams, affecting both aquatic life and human communities.