Environment Support

Deforestation

Cutting trees is not deforestation. However, if the cutting of trees destroys an entire forest ecosystem, then deforestation has undeniably taken place.

Deforestation is attributed largely to conversion of forests for agricultural purposes, especially the creation of farmlands. Moreover, the methods used to clear forests are less-than-sustainable. To create pastures of grass for grazing, tracts of rainforest are cleared left and right. Grazing ground for several hundred cattle results in massive destruction of the rainforest.

Forests are also obliterated to meet ever rising demand for paper and timber, even fuel. Developed nations are particularly voracious consumers of paper. Forests are also denuded because wood is coveted by furniture makers--especially mahogany and other hardwoods.

Aside from agriculture, forests are cleared because urbanization is unstoppable, a situation exacerbated by population increase. Infrastructures, roads and mines also tend to slice through forests. Because precious metals are concealed in rainforest, miners have no choice but to clear the vegetation.

Around 13 million hectares of forest are lost each year around the world. Unfortunately, the hardest-hit are the world’s most verdant and ecologically prolific regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Deforestation results in the loss of biodiversity among animals. Moreover, during monsoons, soil is easily eroded, which prompts the onslaught of mud slides. Water then leaches the soil of important minerals. As the soil accumulates downriver, silting kills many aquatic creatures.

Deforestation is associated with climate change because carbon dioxide emissions increase with every denuded forest. Without trees, greenhouse gases proliferate, trapping heat from the sun and warming the globe.

In order to control deforestation, governments must take measures to put a stop to illegal logging. Businesses should try to reduce their consumption of wood and paper products and use more recycled materials. Individuals should use a variety of recycled paper products at home and in the office. A lot of paper waste comes from excessive printing from the computer. As much as possible, documents should be kept in soft copies.

In terms of wood products, look for the FSC label. Short for the "Forest Stewardship Council," FSC is an international non-profit association that issues certificates for forests that are managed in an ecologically and socially responsible way. One can be sure these products are culled from sustainable greeneries.

Deforestation Environmental Resources