Deforestation is the cutting down of a forest for
human activities. Once the trees are removed, the land turns into a non-forest
area, which is generally used for agriculture. Usually deforestation comes to
meet the greater need for food and wood, resulting from the growing population.
History of
Deforestation
It is a common misconception that deforestation is
a recent occurrence, gaining momentum in the tropical regions of the world
since about 1950. But its history is long, and stretches far back into the
corridors of time when humans first occupied the earth and began to use fire
deliberately, probably some half-a-million years ago. All that has changed
since the mid-twentieth century is that an ancient process has accelerated, and
that, compared to previous ages, environments more sensitive and irreversibly
damaged have been affected. Possibly as much as nine-tenths of all
deforestation occurred before 1950. Almost one half of the forests that ever
covered the Earth have gone. Each year, some 16 million hectares disappear.
Tropical forests are believed to be at serious danger. Tropical forests once occupied
16 million sq. km, while today about 8-9 million sq. km hardly remain
Causes of
Deforestation
The biggest causes of deforestation in tropical
countries are population growth in cities and agricultural exports. Causes for
deforestation to happen are numerous, including logging, industrialization,
agriculture, oil exploitation and human disasters. Logging can be tackled if
the removed trees are replanted, thus averting the shrinking of forests. Fires
that are starting naturally or caused deliberately are among the most frequent
reasons for destruction of forests. Generally many areas quickly recover from
fire because seeds, as well as some animals and plants, have natural defence
mechanism. The need of land for agriculture is also a major contributor to
deforestation.
Effects of
deforestation
Looking at the importance of forests and trees in the previous
pages, you can deduce the massive effects of deforestation and tree-cutting
activities. Let us see a few below:
Soil erosion
destruction:
Soils (and the nutrients in them) are exposed to the sun’s heat. Soil moisture is dried up, nutrients evaporate and bacteria that help break down organic matter are affected. Eventually, rain washes down the soil surfaces and erosion takes place. Soils never get their full potential back.
Water Cycle:
When forests are destroyed, the atmosphere, water bodies and the water table are all affected. Trees absorb and retain water in their roots. A large part of the water that circulates in the ecosystem of rainforests remains inside the plants. Some of this moisture is transpired into the atmosphere. When this process is broken, the atmosphere and water bodies begin to dry out.
Loss of species:
Many wonderful species of plants and animals have been lost, and many others remain endangered. More than 80% of the world's species remain in the Tropical forest. It is estimated that about 50 to 100 species of animals are being lost each day as a result of destruction of their habitats, and that is a tragedy.
ClimateChange:
Plants absorb Carbon Dioxide CO2 (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere and uses it to produce food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that make up trees). In return, it gives off Oxygen. Destroying the forests mean CO2 will remain in the atmosphere and in addition, destroyed vegetation will give off more CO2 stored in them as they decompose. This will alter the climate of that region. Cool climates may get a lot hotter and hot places may get a lot cooler.
Solution of
deforestation:
In order
to cope with the problems caused by deforestation, people nowadays have already
turned to reforestation and afforestation in many parts of the world. The
restocking of already existing forests which have been depleted is called
reforestation, while afforestation is the planting of trees in areas with no
forests.
