We all know that we need to protect our planet and the resources it provides. However, some people are more aware than others of how their actions affect this ecosystem. In order to prevent further destruction on Earth’s natural resources, there is an important lesson about forests everyone can learn from:
We don’t have a forest problem; we have a tree-cutting problem! Trees aren’t just something you plant in your backyard – they’re vital for Earth’s survival as well as our own personal health. We need to protect them, conserve them, and work together for the sake of our planet.
Plant a tree for future generations
The destruction of forests is the cause of many problems in the world. Deforestation might seem like a small issue, but it can have serious consequences for people and animals alike. One major problem caused by deforestation is the loss of habitat for many species. When forests become less dense, they can no longer provide food and shelter to animals that need them in order to survive. This could be difficult for some animals who rely on forests to survive
Forests are one of the most important things on earth. They provide oxygen, produce fresh water, and just give the world its beauty. They are home to many different animal species, and they serve as everything from food to shelter for humans.
Forests make up about 30% of the earth’s surface area, but they only occupy about 6% of the planet’s total land. The remaining 94% is made up of deserts, plains, mountains and other dry areas where forests cannot grow. But this doesn’t mean that forests aren’t important to us! Forests also do more than you might think:
As the world heats up, it is more important than ever to protect our forests. Forests are one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. Not only do they produce 40% of all fresh water in the world, they also cool our air by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ).
Stop. Forests are Good.
Every year, we lose nearly one-third of our forests due to reckless land use. This destruction has led to a decline in natural habitats and species diversity. Additionally, it is responsible for climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, which impact the lives of people all over the world. The European Union (EU) has proposed a legislative proposal to tackle consumption driving global deforestation by introducing new measures such as levies on soy products and palm oil imports.
What Causes Deforestation?
Deforestation is the process of cutting down and removing forests or tree cover from an area. It is caused by a variety of factors such as urbanization, agriculture, logging, and mining. Causes of deforestation vary from region to region, but the most common causes are commercial agriculture and cattle ranching. Other causes include natural disasters such as wildfires, insect infestation or pests. However, deforestation is often a consequence of land clearance practices such as slash and burn agriculture.
Environmental Effects of Deforestation From Above
Loss of Habitat
One of the greatest dangers of deforestation is the loss of habitat for animal and plant species. 70% of land animals and plants need forests in order to survive. After all, not only does this endanger animals and plants, but it also harms the environment as a whole.
Deforestation is an enormous issue, and one that must be addressed in order to maintain a balance in the Earth’s ecosystems. The rainforest is an important and delicate ecosystem and it relies on a delicate balance of warmth and shade. This can be disrupted by deforestation, which can result in drastic variations in temperature from day to night which means that many species struggle to survive.
Increased Greenhouse Gases
Deforested areas lose their ability to act as carbon sinks when they lack trees, meaning more CO2 is released in the atmosphere. Healthy forests absorb CO2, which is vital for their survival. The loss of habitat leaves animals with less resources for food and shelter.
Water in the Atmosphere
Trees influence the hydrological cycle by absorbing water and later releasing it in the form of vapour through transpiration. Trees also slow wind and rain down, so they can release more water back into the atmosphere. The trees help control the level of water in the atmosphere by helping to regulate the water cycle.
Environmental Effects of Deforestation From Below
Soil Erosion and Flooding
Further effects of deforestation include soil erosion and food scarcity. Trees help to retain water and topsoil which provide the rich nutrients to sustain additional forest life
Without forests, the soil erodes and washes away into rivers. This has caused farmers to migrate before the land is barren. They then slash and burn, creating more of these unsustainable practices which create flat land that is prone to flooding.
Plant a seed. Change a city.
80% of Earth’s land animals are found in forests, including the orangutan, Sumatran tiger, and many species of birds. Deforestation can threaten these creatures with extinction.
Removing trees blocks the sun’s rays and this leads to more extreme temperature swings. This can be harmful to plants and animals as it changes their environment.
Forests grow to be essential to the regional and global water cycles, impacting important aspects of them. For example, South American rainforests are responsible for water cycles in Brazil’s cities, as well as other countries around Latin America. They are also key to the water supply.
Clearing the Amazon rainforest also clears the lungs of the world
The Amazon is helping farmers in the region by providing water, which they wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. If the forest disappears, the land may lose its ability to produce clean water and keep biodiversity. The toll on nearby populations can be devastating because it could affect your morning cup of coffee.
Tree cutting both emits carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and removes trees’ ability to absorb existing carbon dioxide. If tropical deforestation were a country, according to the World Resources Institute, it would rank third in carbon emissions on Earth, behind China and the U.S.
