Effects of Deforestation

Deforestation

Rainforests today are disappearing at an alarming rate as a result of deforestation for commercial purposes such as logging, agriculture, and livestock. This earth is home to hundreds of billions of organisms, like humans, who rely on the oxygen that is produced by these trees. Millions of these organisms will be harmfully affected if we do not work toward protecting these forests by placing regulations on companies that are taking advantage of them. Deforestation is considered to be one of the contributing factors to global climate change. The No. 1 problem caused by deforestation is the impact on the global carbon cycle.

Many Governments have started realizing the harmful effects of excessive lumber exploitation, influencing them to create new regulations on the companies causing deforestation. If corporations have the power to destroy the world’s forests, they also have the power to help save them. Companies can make an impact by introducing zero deforestation policies and cleaning up their supply chains. That means holding their suppliers accountable for producing commodities like timber, beef, soy, palm oil and paper in a way that has a minimal impact on natural forests and the climate. If we’re going to stop deforestation, we need government to do its part. In the US, we use laws like the Wilderness Act, the Lacey Act and the Roadless Rule to protect our forests and stop illegal wood products from entering the US marketplace. We also support global treaties like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to help protect forests and the endangered species that rely on forests for habitats. Government policies are responsible for half of the reduction in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Approximately half of the deforestation that was avoided in the Brazilian Amazon during 2005-2009 was the result of government conservation policies.

Trees go through several natural processes that help us to survive on this planet. Research concepts. Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. According to the US Department of Agriculture, "One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.” Trees control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leaves absorb and filter the sun's radiant energy, keeping things cool in summer. Trees also preserve warmth by providing a screen from harsh wind. In addition to influencing wind speed and direction, they shield us from the downfall of rain, sleet and hail. Both above and below ground, trees are essential to the ecosystems in which they reside. Far reaching roots hold soil in place and fight erosion. Trees absorb and store rainwater which reduce runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps the ground water supply recharge, prevents the transport of chemicals into streams and prevents flooding. Fallen leaves make excellent compost that enriches soil. The rainforests are home to millions of species of animals, and all of them face the treat of extinction with the growing of industry. Research concepts. One of the most dangerous and unsettling effects of deforestation is the loss of animal and plant species due to their loss of habitat. Deforestation has been the cause of a truly massive number of species extinctions in modern times and historical times. Even when the originally deforested area is over time reforested, it always lacks the large biodiversity of its previous state. Thousand of species go extinct every single day, and the numbers are only growing. It’s currently estimated that the world is losing around 137 plant, animal and insect species every day as a result of rainforest deforestation. That means that around 50,000 species are going extinct every year currently. When forest cover is removed, wildlife is deprived of habitat and becomes more vulnerable to hunting. Considering that about 80% of the world's documented species can be found in tropical rainforests, deforestation poses a serious threat to the Earth’s biodiversity.

Forests play an important an important role in climate change. The destruction and degradation of forests contributes to the problem through the release of CO2. The planting of new forests can help battle against climate change by removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Combined with the sun's energy, the captured carbon is converted into trunks,