Why Deforestation Happens?

Exactly What Is Deforestation?

Deforestation refers to the practise of systematically clearing forestland (or other land) of its tree cover in order to make way for agricultural or urban uses. Loss of biodiversity, destruction of natural habitats, disruption of the water cycle, and soil erosion are just some of the environmental consequences of this problem. Deforestation adds to the problem of climate change and global warming.

Deforestation: The Pros and Cons

More than 30 percent of Earth is covered in forests, totalling more than 10 billion acres. Deforestation refers to the practise of chopping down trees, which is currently being done at an alarming rate (about 15 million acres per year), to make way for constructions like roads, buildings, and other man-made structures. The earliest 1990s marked the beginning of this trend.

Although deforestation is generally viewed negatively, it does have its benefits. If it weren't, it wouldn't be happening right now. We need to weigh the advantages it offers against the dangers it might provide in the future. How can we know if the benefits of developing our land will outweigh those of just leaving it alone? We can get a good answer to this question if we weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using this approach.

The Benefits of Cutting Down Trees

It makes more room for development to take place.

Cutting down trees in this area to create way for development is a major factor. The cleared land from cutting down trees can be used for a variety of purposes, including the construction of jobs-generating enterprises and infrastructure upgrades like new roads.

As the global population approaches 10 billion by 2050 and continues to expand at an exponential rate, space has become increasingly valuable here on Earth.

Clearing woods from potential building sites increases the amount of usable land. The materials harvested from the biome will be used to construct both commercial and residential structures.

More material of actual value is produced.

In order to make lumber and other wood products, all of the trees have been cut down. Good paper and other requirements can be created from the plant saps. In terms of the land itself, it can be farmed.

If you think about the end results of deforestation, you'll see that it may often be beneficial to the economy on a local and even a national scale. Wood and paper, for instance, are products that are made for global consumption. In the absence of toilet paper made entirely from recyclable materials, deforestation would be responsible for a portion of the paper used in most homes.

It paves the way for progress in culture and industry.

When we consider that large swaths of forests are often left unmanaged, we realise that they may be put to better use as agricultural land, potentially rescuing hundreds, if not thousands, of people from starvation. All the people who live there will benefit economically from the development of large facilities that can be built on a small portion of these verdant areas.

The result is an increase in available employment opportunities.

For most people, deforestation is their only option for making a living, therefore it allows them to provide for their families on a consistent basis. Further, once a certain forest area is cleared, people might go in and set up a farm, plantation, or manufacturing sector that can help keep cash flowing.

Grazing livestock can take advantage of this situation.

Deforestation can be put to good use in many ways, and grazing animals are one of them. With this strategy, individuals will have an easier time discovering new species of creatures that may be hiding in unexplored areas of the world's remaining unlogged woods, or perhaps re-discovering species that were thought to be extinct. Furthermore, this will provide us the opportunity to improve their spread.

This affords us the opportunity to increase food production.

The last two decades have seen massive increases in farming yields thanks to advances in crop technology, but it is predicted that this won't be enough to feed the world in the next two decades. Fortunately, deforestation can clear enough land for farming to feed more than 10 billion people who will otherwise go hungry in the future.

More money can be made this way.

Governments around the world receive a significant amount of money from deforestation. Many economies, especially those in emerging nations, benefit from this.

Consequences of Forest Loss

Rising Levels of Carbon Dioxide

Plants are crucial to maintaining a liveable environment on Earth. In order to produce oxygen, plants remove carbon dioxide from the air through a process called photosynthesis. The stuff we have to breathe. The drastic reduction in plant cover caused by this practise contributes to the buildup of glasshouse gases and, by extension, to global warming.

Wildlife

When forests are cleared for development, more than trees are lost. There is an incredible diversity of life in these forests. Numerous species, including birds, insects, frogs, bears, and many others, are fast losing their habitats. With nowhere else to go, they are stuck in environments that aren't conducive to their survival. Wildlife populations have consequently plummeted in locations where destruction has been particularly severe.

Flooding

Trees and plants serve a crucial role in preventing flooding by soaking up surplus groundwater. The plants absorb the surplus water through their roots and release it back into the air. Without these plants, the soil will quickly become saturated with rainwater and unable to support life. This will have a significant impact on flooding in the area and other communities.

Wait and See

Given the current rate of deforestation, it is possible that the world may be devoid of rainforests in as little as a century. When rain forests are destroyed, the natural flora and animals to those woods are destroyed with them.

How Crucial Are Forests?

• As a carbon sink, forests mitigate climate change by soaking up glasshouse gases like carbon dioxide.
• Everything we need to survive, from oxygen and food to water and medicine, comes from the earth.
• Through their breath, they contribute to the water cycle by releasing moisture into the atmosphere.
• By absorbing excess water, forests lessen floods' damaging effects. As a result, deforestation makes the continent more susceptible to natural disasters.
• A forest's massive tree canopy acts as a natural barrier to wind and water, protecting the soil below it from mechanical erosion.
• The world's woods are home to more than half of the planet's flora and fauna species. More than 80% of all plant and animal species on Earth may be directly attributed to them. Nearly 30,000,000 people call forest settlements home.
• Paper, wood, and textiles are just a few examples of the many industrial products that rely on them as inputs.
• An estimated 1.6 billion people rely on forests for their income. Forests also contribute about 1% to global GDP (gross domestic product).

The Math Behind Lumberjacking

• We estimate that forests cover about 31% of the Earth's land surface.
• In tropical woods, you'll find more than half of the world's animal and plant species.
• More than 568 million acres of forest were lost to deforestation between 2000 and 2012.
• In 2018, humans cleared almost 9 million acres of tropical forest for various uses.
• Over 20% of the world's oxygen comes from the Amazon rainforest, yet this vital ecosystem loses about 1.32 acres of land per minute to human activity.

Deforestation: The Root Causes

Exactly which actions of humans lead to forest loss?

Factors that are mostly caused by humans (anthropogenic) and so contribute to deforestation are:

• Farming, both on a large and a local scale
• Trees are logged for their raw materials.
•  Clearing of forested land for mining and urban development.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat estimates that 80 percent of deforestation may be traced back to agricultural practises. Another 14% is accounted for by logging, while another 5% is accounted for by wood fuel harvesting. Below is a pie chart that breaks out the primary reasons for tropical forest destruction from 2000–2005.

Slash-and-burn Agriculture is one of the most environmentally damaging practises since it leads to widespread tree cutting. Despite being abandoned by many modern nations, this method entails burning a wide area of forest land and then planting crops in the same soil (which has been fertilised by the ashes of the burnt trees).

What are some of the ancillary causes of forest loss?

Around 80% of all logging is illegal logging, which is the illegal collection and sale of timber. On top of that, corrupt government officials may take bribes from illegal loggers and provide them with access to protected forest regions. This suggests that corruption is a contributing factor to forest loss.

More resources, such as food and buildings, are needed to support a growing population and an already large one. Deforestation may occur as a direct or indirect result of these needs. For instance, a city's population boom can cause the surrounding area to lose its trees because of:

• Home and building construction generally.
• Agriculture (to supply the rising demand for food) (to meet the increased demand for food).
• Building new bridges, tunnels, and other transportation nodes.

Can Forest Loss Occur From Naturally Occurring Factors?

Natural disasters are sometimes the culprits in cases of deforestation that are otherwise difficult to explain. Forests near a volcano, for instance, may be destroyed if an eruption causes a fire. Some more causes of forest loss are:

• Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, cause widespread forest destruction.
• Parasites that feed on trees invade forest ecosystems and cause widespread destruction.
• Natural causes such as lightning are the primary causes of forest fires.

Remember that nature plays a negligible role in determining where on Earth you end up (anthropogenic factors account for almost all of it).

What Repercussions Does Deforestation Have On The Environment?

Elevated Levels of Carbon Dioxide in the Environment

Carbon dioxide from the air is taken up by trees during photosynthesis, making forests an important carbon sink. Due to the release of carbon dioxide, a glasshouse gas, deforestation has an immediate impact on the glasshouse effect and, by extension, global warming.

Deforestation is one of the leading causes of global warming because it leads to the release of more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and consequently causes the concentration of CO2 there to rise. About 12% of all human-caused carbon dioxide emissions can be attributed to forest clearance activities.

How Tree Loss Affects the Hydrologic Cycle

• Deforestation can cause serious disruptions to the water cycle because of the important role trees play in this cycle.
• Through a process called transpiration, plants like trees keep the air at a steady humidity level (they absorb groundwater through their roots and release it into the atmosphere from their leaves and flowers).
• In addition, their roots make macropores by tunnelling deep into the ground. Because water may permeate further into the soil thanks to these macropores, the soil can hold more water.
• The characteristics of soil are improved by the incorporation of dead plant material (such as leaves and twigs) that falls to the ground.
• About 30 percent of all freshwater on Earth comes from tropical rainforests.
• Drier air is a side effect of deforestation because plants that produce moisture by transpiration are no longer around. Groundwater levels and soil moisture both decrease in the reclaimed land.
• Extreme drought is typical in previously wooded areas. Drying out of once-forested areas has been connected to deforestation.

One negative effect of cutting down trees is soil erosion.

To fortify the ground, tree roots will sometimes grow into the underlying rock. Trees also shield the soil's surface with a layer of plant debris. Inasmuch as fewer trees are preserving the soil, erosion becomes a problem when forests are cleared.

Landslides are a common occurrence once tree cover is removed from steep terrain. This is largely due to the soil's decreased ability to hold its shape without trees. Furthermore, natural disasters such as floods amplify the extent of erosion (note that plant litter found on forest surfaces helps restrict the quantity of soil transported away) (note that the plant litter found on forest surfaces helps reduce the amount of soil washed away).

Since soil erosion is a direct cause of eutrophication, deforestation can be blamed for other environmental problems as well.

Effects Of Deforestation On Biodiversity

Forests are home to a diverse array of animals. Tropical rainforests are regarded to be the most diverse ecosystems on the world. This biodiversity is in serious danger from deforestation. On a local scale, removing forest area might cause a reduction in the number of particular species. On a worldwide scale, however, deforestation can result in the loss of some desirable species.

Deforestation causes the annual extinction of about 50,000 species of plants, animals, and insects. Over forty percent of all plant and animal species in the Southeast Asian region are predicted to become extinct in the 21st century, according to studies.

Loss of biodiversity on a big scale would have unforeseeable effects on the food web. Moreover, the coextinction phenomenon suggests that the extinction of one species may play a driving role in the extinction of another.

Alternate Repercussions of Tree Cutting

How Does Deforestation Affect The Economy?

• Many different types of businesses rely on raw commodities made possible by deforestation. The construction, agricultural, and lumber sectors are only a few examples.
• However, overuse of wood and forestry resources can have negative effects on the economy. Deforestation may boost the economy in the short term, but it has a negative impact on productivity in the long run.
• Overharvesting of timber in a forest, for instance, may momentarily raise output, but the resulting loss of forestland will eventually lead to a fall in harvest levels. The entire forest yield is severely impacted by such actions.
• According to some reports, the world GDP may suffer a 7% fall by 2050 due to deforestation and other issues.
• The best course of action for the economy is a sustainable strategy for exploiting forests' resources.

Human Health and Deforestation

The spread of numerous infectious diseases can be facilitated by deforestation, either directly or indirectly. Furthermore, it is not unusual for new species to develop in deforested environments, as the loss of indigenous species frequently coincides with deforestation.

Stagnant water pools can arise when soil erosion increases (caused by cutting down trees). Mosquitoes breed in these puddles and spread diseases like malaria and yellow fever. The spread of the human immunodeficiency virus is thought, by some, to have been aided by cutting down trees (HIV).

Can Deforestation Be Stopped, and How?

Factors Influencing the Success of Governments and Other Administrative Bodies

The following methods can be used by governments to stop forest destruction:

• It is imperative that stringent rules and safety measures be put into place to kerb unlawful logging.
• It's expanding the number and area of protected woods.
• To reduce the amount of forest land lost, we are meticulously planning the installation of infrastructure (roads, dams, etc.).
• They fund research into sustainable farming methods and assist farmers in adopting innovative technologies (like hydroponics) to reduce their environmental impact (such as cyclic agriculture).
• By outlawing ineffectual farming methods, we are improving forest management (such as slash-and-burn agriculture).
• To lessen the need for trees, we're encouraging the manufacture and application of substitutes made from other materials. As a substitute for wood, bamboo, for instance, can be used as a fuel source.
• As part of our efforts to reforest eroded landscapes, we will soon start a series of new initiatives.
• Forest plantations are a great investment since high-yield trees can increase production from a forest by a factor of five to ten compared to a natural forest (per hectare).

Functions of Individuals

The protection of the Earth's natural resources is everyone's responsibility (for other humans, other species, and future generations). Deforestation can be slowed down if people follow the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) philosophy.

• Reduce - Employing less paper overall by finding and using substitutes when possible.
• Reusing objects instead of discarding them reduces waste.
• Recycle - We will recycle all of our used paper and wood items with great care.

To stop deforestation, people can plant trees, educate others about the issue, and spread awareness about the problem.

Conclusion

Deforestation refers to the practise of systematically clearing forestland (or other land) of its tree cover in order to make way for agricultural or urban uses. Loss of biodiversity, destruction of natural habitats, disruption of the water cycle, and soil erosion are just some of the environmental consequences. Deforestation can be put to good use in many ways. Wood and paper, for instance, are products that are made for global consumption. Land can be farmed to feed more than 10 billion people who would otherwise go hungry.

It can provide us the opportunity to improve food production. It is possible that the world may be devoid of rainforest in as little as a century. More than 568 million acres of tropical forests were lost to deforestation between 2000 and 2012. Forests are home to more than half of the planet's flora and fauna species. More than 80% of all plant and animal species on Earth may be directly attributed to them.

Deforestation is one of the leading causes of global warming because it leads to the release of more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Around 12% of all human-caused carbon dioxide emissions can be attributed to forest clearance activities. Deforestation has an immediate impact on the glasshouse effect and, by extension, global warming. Deforestation can cause serious disruptions to the water cycle because of the important role trees play in this cycle. The characteristics of soil are improved by the incorporation of dead plant material (such as leaves and twigs) that falls to the ground.

Trees also shield the soil's surface with a layer of plant debris. Deforestation may boost the economy in the short term, but it has a negative impact on productivity in the long run. Overharvesting of timber in a forest may momentarily raise output, but the resulting loss of forestland will eventually lead to a fall in harvest levels. Forest plantations are a great investment since high-yield trees can increase production from a forest by a factor of five to ten compared to a natural forest. Deforestation can be slowed down if people follow the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) philosophy.

Content Summary

1. Deforestation is a major global issue that needs immediate attention.
2. Wildlife habitats have been lost, and global warming and increased glasshouse gas emissions are the results of deforestation.
3. Many things, including cutting down trees for lumber, natural calamities, and even deliberately set fires, can lead to deforestation.
4. The future of our planet is threatened, and this blog post will investigate some of the causes of deforestation so that you can better understand what threatens it and take action to help protect it!Exactly What Is Deforestation?Deforestation refers to the practise of systematically clearing forestland (or other land) of its tree cover in order to make way for agricultural or urban uses.
5. Deforestation adds to the problem of climate change and global warming.
6. Deforestation refers to the practise of chopping down trees, which is currently being done at an alarming rate (about 15 million acres per year), to make way for constructions like roads, buildings, and other man-made structures.
7. Cutting down trees in this area to create way for development is a major factor.
8. Deforestation can be put to good use in many ways, and grazing animals are one of them.
9. This affords us the opportunity to increase food production.
10. Fortunately, deforestation can clear enough land for farming to feed more than 10 billion people who will otherwise go hungry in the future.
11. Consequences of Forest Loss Rising Levels of Carbon DioxidePlants are crucial to maintaining a liveable environment on Earth.
12. The drastic reduction in plant cover caused by this practise contributes to the buildup of glasshouse gases and, by extension, to global warming.
13. WildlifeWhen forests are cleared for development, more than trees are lost.
14. There is an incredible diversity of life in these forests.
15. Numerous species, including birds, insects, frogs, bears, and many others, are fast losing their habitats.
16. FloodingTrees and plants serve a crucial role in preventing flooding by soaking up surplus groundwater.
17. Without these plants, the soil will quickly become saturated with rainwater and unable to support life.
18. This will have a significant impact on flooding in the area and other communities.
19. Wait and SeeGiven the current rate of deforestation, it is possible that the world may be devoid of rainforests in as little as a century.
20. When rain forests are destroyed, the natural flora and animals to those woods are destroyed with them.
21. As a carbon sink, forests mitigate climate change by soaking up glasshouse gases like carbon dioxide.
22. The world's woods are home to more than half of the planet's flora and fauna species.
23. More than 80% of all plant and animal species on Earth may be directly attributed to them.
24. An estimated 1.6 billion people rely on forests for their income.
25. Forests also contribute about 1% to global GDP (gross domestic product).
26. In tropical woods, you'll find more than half of the world's animal and plant species.
27. More than 568 million acres of forest were lost to deforestation between 2000 and 2012.
28. In 2018, humans cleared almost 9 million acres of tropical forest for various uses.
29. Over 20% of the world's oxygen comes from the Amazon rainforest, yet this vital ecosystem loses about 1.32 acres of land per minute to human activity.
30. Some more causes of forest loss are:Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods, cause widespread forest destruction.
31. Due to the release of carbon dioxide, a glasshouse gas, deforestation has an immediate impact on the glasshouse effect and, by extension, global warming.
32. Deforestation is one of the leading causes of global warming because it leads to the release of more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and consequently causes the concentration of CO2 there to rise.
33. How Tree Loss Affects the Hydrologic Cycle Deforestation can cause serious disruptions to the water cycle because of the important role trees play in this cycle.
34. Drying out of once-forested areas has been connected to deforestation.
35. One negative effect of cutting down trees is soil erosion.
36. Inasmuch as fewer trees are preserving the soil, erosion becomes a problem when forests are cleared.
37. This biodiversity is in serious danger from deforestation.
38. Deforestation causes the annual extinction of about 50,000 species of plants, animals, and insects.
39. However, overuse of wood and forestry resources can have negative effects on the economy.
40. The best course of action for the economy is a sustainable strategy for exploiting forests' resources.
41. Human Health and DeforestationThe spread of numerous infectious diseases can be facilitated by deforestation, either directly or indirectly.
42. Factors Influencing the Success of Governments and Other Administrative BodiesThe following methods can be used by governments to stop forest destruction:
43. It is imperative that stringent rules and safety measures be put into place to kerb unlawful logging.
44. It's expanding the number and area of protected woods.
45. To reduce the amount of forest land lost, we are meticulously planning the installation of infrastructure (roads, dams, etc.).
46. They fund research into sustainable farming methods and assist farmers in adopting innovative technologies (like hydroponics) to reduce their environmental impact (such as cyclic agriculture).
47. By outlawing ineffectual farming methods, we are improving forest management (such as slash-and-burn agriculture).
48. To lessen the need for trees, we're encouraging the manufacture and application of substitutes made from other materials.
49. As a substitute for wood, bamboo, for instance, can be used as a fuel source.
50. As part of our efforts to reforest eroded landscapes, we will soon start a series of new initiatives.
51. Functions of IndividualsThe protection of the Earth's natural resources is everyone's responsibility (for other humans, other species, and future generations).
52. Deforestation can be slowed down if people follow the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) philosophy.
53. To stop deforestation, people can plant trees, educate others about the issue, and spread awareness about the problem.