Deforestation Dilemma

What is Deforestation?

Deforestation refers to the reduction of woodland lands around the world that are sacrificed for other purposes, such as agricultural farmland, urbanization, or mining. Deforestation has been greatly accelerated by human activity since 1960 and has had a detrimental impact on natural habitats, wildlife, and the environment. The most concentrated deforestation occurs in tropical rainforests.

Causes

Human activity is the primary cause of deforestation. Though there is rarely ever one direct cause for this issue, agriculture, unsustainable forest management, logging, development projects, and increased frequency and severity of wildfire are the most common factors that cause deforestation and extreme land clearing. Natural causes such as hurricanes, fires, parasites, and floods are also often the reasons for deforestation.

Effects

1. Desertification

Trees often help maintain the water level in the atmosphere by helping to balance the water cycle. In deforested areas, there is less water in the air to be returned to the soil. This triggers the dryer soil and makes it impossible to grow crops.

2. Soil Erosion & Flooding

Without trees, the soil is eroded much more easily. The barren land left behind as a result of these wasteful agricultural practices is more susceptible to flooding, especially in coastal regions.

3. Threat to Biodiversity

By damaging forests, human activities are placing whole environments at risk, causing ecological imbalances, and putting life in jeopardy. The natural ecosystem is complicated, interconnected, and made up of thousands of interdependencies. Among other functions, trees provide shelter and cooling temperatures for animals and smaller trees or plants that do not withstand the intensity of direct sunlight.

How You Can Help

1. Plant trees

2. Use less paper

3. Recycle paper and cardboard

4. Use recycled products

5. Buy sustainable wood products

6. Don't buy products containing palm oil

7. Reduce meat consumption

8. Do not excessively buy firewood