Deforestation
Good morning everyone, today, our group will discuss about our selected environmental
problem which is Deforestation.
To start with, let us know the meaning of Deforestation
Deforestation is the process of slicing trees without replanting them to utilize the space
to assemble a structure, street, development, and for fuel. Clearing land for agriculture
or grazing, as well as using the timber for fuel, construction, or industry, are examples of
this.
Today, deforestation is normally occurring in tropical islands; that were typically out of
reach in the past now has streets and different structures developed in them.
A report from 2017 claimed that around 61,000 square miles (almost the size of
Bangladesh!) from the jungles were cut.
About 15 billion trees are likewise cut every year, the worldwide number of trees has
dropped by generally 46%.
The picture that is shown on the screen is an example of Deforestation.
How does it happen?
Deforestation is the process of removing trees permanently in order to make way for
something other than forest.
The tropics are now experiencing the most deforestation. As new roads are built
through the deep forests, previously inaccessible areas are becoming accessible.
Slash-and-burn Agriculture is a major contribution to tropical deforestation. Farmers
burn vast areas of forest in this agricultural technique, allowing the ash to fertilize the
ground for crops.
However, the land is only fertile for a few years before the farmers move on to another
location to continue the process.
Tropical forests are also removed to make space for logging, cattle ranching, and
plantations of oil palms and rubber trees.
Who caused it?
For thousands of years, people have been deforesting the Earth, primarily to clear land
for crops or livestock.
It is us, the people, who has been behind this all along.
Causes:
Indicated below are the causes of deforestation.
Mining
oil extraction
firewood collection
Timber extraction
Illegal and unsustainable logging
Climate change
Agricultural expansion
wood extraction (e.g., logging or wood harvest for domestic fuel or charcoal)
These causes have contributed a lot when it comes to deforestation. Through these
causes, a lot of trees has been used for our benefit and most of the trees used has not
been replaced since then.
Why is it a problem?
Deforestation is a problem because it can harm us, people, in different ways.
Deforestation has long-term and severe consequences.
Things such as habitat degradation, entire species of insects and animals have become
extinct.
The Scientists have also discovered that deforestation has a substantial impact on
climate change, often known as what we call the global warming.
Humans should be aware of how terrible deforestation may be in order for action to be
taken.
How does it affect you?
For a variety of reasons, the loss of the world's wild and natural forests is a
serious issue and affects us, individuals in our daily lives. Some of the examples are;
The loss of forests entails the extinction of species: Forests are home to
70% of the world's plants and animals. It may lead to biodiversity loss. While not
necessarily the most serious consequence of deforestation, it may be the most
distressing.
Animals and plants can adapt, but it actually takes time. There is no time or
space for species to adapt, recover, or survive when entire ecosystems are
destroyed. It's not just one species becoming extinct that makes a difference; it's
how others rely on them, which causes a chain reaction.
Deforestation contributes to global warming: Trees absorb massive amounts
of dangerous greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
They store it in their trunks and leaves, but if they are evicted, the gas has
nowhere to go but the air and local environment. Deforestation of tropical forests
accounts for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Deforestation disrupts the water cycle: Plants store more than half of the
water in tropical forests.
Furthermore, because trees emit water vapor into the atmosphere, fewer trees
result in less rain, which disturbs the water table (or groundwater level). Farmers
who can't keep crops alive in such dry soil may suffer as a result of a decreased
water table [source: USA Today].
Deforestation causes soil erosion and desertification: The United Nations
considers desertification to be the most serious danger to the world's
ecosystems. While soil erosion is a natural process, it is accelerated by
deforestation.
Trees hold soil in place, and as they die, that soil is moved. Dirt erosion and
unexpectedly shifted soil can cause farming problems, blocked streams,
mudslides, and other problems.
Flooding, on the other hand, can be caused by deforestation: Coastal
vegetation reduces the impact of storm surge-related waves and winds. Coastal
settlements are vulnerable to devastating floods if this vegetation is not there.
The 2008 storm in Myanmar demonstrated this to disastrous effect. Scientists
believe that the loss of coastal mangrove trees over the last decade enabled the
hurricane to strike with far more intensity [source: United Nations].
Deforestation also has a physical and cultural impact on indigenous
people: Because many indigenous people have no legal rights to the land on
which they reside, governments seeking to benefit from the forest can "evict"
them.
As these peoples depart the jungle, they take their culture with them [source:
Plotkin].
What should we do to solve the problem?
Listed below are the solutions we can suggest:
re-use and recycling
cutting down trees in an environmentally friendly manner
Law and Regulations
Community forestry
Replanting or tree planting
Land Use Planning
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The listed solutions above could make a difference. Even the slightest thing such as
recycling and re-using materials could help us save our trees, and our mother Earth.
What have I done?
I ordinarily attempt to restrict myself from purchasing new things from the stores. I
generally reuse paper and cardboard without quickly tossing them. Since this school
year is about internet-based classes, I don't utilize paper as much presently to diminish
the sum I purchase from stores. – Mc Kenzie Caritativo
I have participated in a tree planting event before, and I have planted at least 10 trees. It
may be a small amount compare to the trees that has been cut down but this slightest
help could make the biggest difference. Besides that, I have also invested into digital
note taking using and iPad instead of taking notes in papers. – Andrea Lagata
"I joined eco-friendly organizations, and I do think that this somehow helped the
environment. I invested time and exerted effort in order to show my care about the
environment." - Raquel Danday
“Whenever I see someone logging trees illegally, I report it to the authorities
immediately. Other than that, I also help raise awareness by promoting being eco-
friendly to my friends and family. I also recycle some of the materials I use, because I
know that it can help minimize deforestation." - Janae Ramos
Let this be a reminder that change always starts with you.
CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU.
