When will Deforestation Stop?

by Deron
(Louisville, Ky, USA)

Deforestation is defined by wikipedia, as the loss or constant degradation of forest habitat primarily for human needs. Agriculture, urban sprawl, and tree products are the main parties responsible for deforestation. The Food and Agriculture Organization from the United Nations estimates that almost 13 million hectares of land are being deforested each year, but thanks to tree farms and plantations the annual net loss is not as drastic as the amount forest originally deforested per year.

Trees also play a major role in the environmental homeostasis and the ability to sustain life. Trees clean the air we breathe, and cleanse the water we drink. Trees surprisingly aid in the prevention of major disasters such as landslides as well. The roots from trees sprawl out into the ground and act as a security blanket by securing loose topsoil that would normally erode and could cause disastrous consequences. Trees are the backbone of our green planet. Trees are the primary producer of clean air in our atmosphere.

Tree leaves remove carbon dioxide and other harmful air pollutants such as smoke, dust, and ash, and through the process of photosynthesis release clean and healthy oxygen for all living things on earth to enjoy. Aside from providing our bodies with healthy clean air, trees aid in the removal of harmful greenhouse gasses such as ozone and sulfur dioxide which have an effect on earth’s average temperature.

Trees provide us with life; they make the air clearer by reducing greenhouse gasses while also preventing major disasters. But deforestation is continuing at an alarming rate and it seems it has no intent on slowing down in the coming years. However there are some positives to look forward to. Thanks to afforestation, from government and other organizations, and natural expansion of the forests the average net loss seems to be decreasing. Logging is occurring in every country and on every continent with fertile forests. Some countries contribute large numbers such as Brazil (24%) to deforestation and logging, while others such as China are combating deforestation by replanting trees and controlling logging and agricultural use.

Barry's Response - There are many reasons to believe/acknowledge that trees and other tropical rainforestfoliage form an important part of a delicate balance in our ecosystem. Global warming is one of them. Generally, though, we don't want to lose the world's forests. Period. Thanks for you intelligent comments and photo here, Deron.