Showing posts with label effects of deforestation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label effects of deforestation. Show all posts

Thursday, 28 April 2011

The Global Warming and Deforestation

The Global Warming and Deforestation

Global warming has serious consequences to the life of earth. The past few years has witnessed a rise in the levels of the seas and increase in the overall temperature of the planet. One of the main causes of this serious threat can be attributed to deforestation. Mankind has been cutting trees indiscriminately for his own use.

Tremendous urbanization has reduced the overall forest coverage in the world. We all know that how much trees are necessary for maintaining the ecological balance of the earth. Trees help in extracting water from the soil, and thereby releasing this moisture into the air. Indiscriminate felling of trees results in the disturbances of water cycle resulting in a drier atmosphere. Deforestation increases not just the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, but also other greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide and methane lock the atmospheric heat and ultimately cause an increase in the atmospheric temperature.

Deforestation not only causes global warming, but it also has serious implications on the Earth's bio-diversity. Many of the species in the earth are dependent on plants and trees for food. Cutting of trees will remove their source of food gradually and subsequently leading towards extinction of variety of species living in earth.

Deforestation is seen as the prime concern for environmentalists and they have suggested that unless quick measures are not taken to arrest this problem, it would further lead to devastating effects on Earth.

We often complain about extreme weather conditions, or climate change. However, instead of cribbing, we must ensure that deforestation is stopped and plantation is given due importance. This will help to reverse some of the adverse effects of deforestation and also control the alarming effects of global warming.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in environmental and energy conservation. He also offers top quality articles like:
Global Warming Definition, Major Greenhouse Gases

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kum_Martin
http://EzineArticles.com/?Global-Warming-and-Deforestation&id=5081069

Thursday, 31 March 2011

The Devastating Effects Of Deforestation


Human beings have always been and possibly will be dependent on forests to some extent. Trees were there form of homes, their natural world, their mine for food and their shelter from opponents. Forests are greatly significant to man, and other living creatures as well; and unfortunately, it is one of the largest threats that the world is facing today.

Mainly, the problems we have are due to massive deforestation; and at the present moment, we are realistically experiencing the detrimental effects of deforestation and suffering from them at the same time.

Deforestation can be characterized by the great scale depletion of forests. Deforestation transpires when forests are transformed to barren lands and areas for industrialization, for source of human consumption, and other explanations without adequate restoration of the forests. It is rather the undying damage to the vast land areas on earth; and thus should be stopped and halted before the untoward effects become totally inevitable.

Effects Of Deforestation In The Environment

Forests are one of the most organically distinct areas of the world. Millions of plant and animal species inhabit the forests and may or may not have been classified yet. The unique surroundings of these untouched beauties permit the existence of what we call, biodiversity.

Simply, if the forests are to be destroyed wholly, all forms of biodiversities in it will be swept away. There is no probability of getting them back and having to reconstruct again a forest that is as perfect as the ones we have right now. Furthermore, if these places are completely shattered, the prospect to explore other probabilities would be lost forever.

The effects of deforestation on the coming genre ahead can be absolutely inestimable. Thus, the preservation and the protection against extinction of many species can leave the world with many opportunities open for the forthcoming people ahead. Areas such as medicine and other essential inventions can be gaping for future possibilities for the further advancement of humanity.

Effects Of Deforestation In The Society

Much of the effects of deforestation weigh on the indigenous people bracket; this is because they form the largest inhabitants of the forests plus they earn a living from there too. All other groups affected such as hunters and agriculturists have been greatly tormented by the influx of colossal devastation of the forests. All forms of reproductions which people benefit form these land areas have been stopped; and thus, the whole world also suffered from its inescapable effects.

Indigenous people will become homeless if their form of habitation is taken away from them. The natives of every country would be fleeing to live somewhere else, thus bringing another set of problem for the world to absorb. Since they would assumingly transfer to rural and urban areas, their chances of living are narrowed because unlike city inhabitants, these people know less of the busy and buzzing world.

Overall, the terrible effects of deforestation cannot be compensated by the plans of further world development. No matter what great importance industrialization may bring, we must also consider that nature serves us in far better ways than buildings and other facilities you can see in urbanized areas.

Nature knows how to get back at us, and we can inevitably wait for more disastrous effects if humans to do not stop destroying it.

Tuesday, 22 March 2011

The Positive and Negatives of Deforestation

The Positive and Negatives of Deforestation

Earth and the lives of everything that depends on it - from the smallest bacteria to the largest sea creatures - rest on a delicate matter and that is balance. A single, seemingly harmless disturbance in this balance has consequences that are both beneficial and disadvantageous. One of these is deforestation.

Deforestation has always been a practice of many developing communities and has contributed greatly to civilization as we know it today. Unfortunately, much of the ill effects of deforestation is caused by greed, bad agricultural practices and government neglect.

Why forests are important -

Other than for their beauty, forests are highly responsible in keeping and sustaining global ecosystems. In fact, much of the quality of life we enjoy, we owe to the forests. It is also the home of more than half of all creatures and organisms in this planet. From food to life-saving medicines, forests give mankind a variety of gifts that contribute much to our quality of life.

The positive consequences of deforestation -

Depending on the needs of the social group concerned, deforestation has made it possible for communities to be built. Forests make way for residential houses, office buildings and factories. Governments are able to build roads to make trade and transport easier and therefore more convenient to residents.

Deforestation can also mean the conversion of forest land to productive land for agricultural uses. This results in better and more abundant production of food and materials, virtually eradicating periods of want and lack. Economically, deforestation has contributed much in giving many communities the opportunity to make positive changes in their lives.

The negative consequences of deforestation -

Unfortunately, the negative consequences of deforestation far outweigh its positive effects. Here are a few of them:

1. Exposing soil to heat and rain. When forests are cleared, soil cover, which consists mainly of vegetation, is removed as well. This exposes the bare soil to extreme conditions produced by the sun's heat and rainwater.

With these activities alternating, the soil quickly compacts. As rainwater flows, it will wash out the nutrients and other organic materials that make the soil rich and fertile. Add to that the frequent activities of tilling, cropping and grazing which gradually results to the degradation of the soil's quality.

These practices are specially a concern in areas where forest zones are drier. Agriculture practice on top of deforestation can result to the desertification of many areas. Desertification is also a direct result of the demand for the soil to produce more (as a consequence of the increase in human population), thereby decreasing to a significant degree the land's carrying capacity.

2. Flooding. Deforestation can result to watersheds that are no longer able to sustain and regulate water flows from rivers and streams. Trees are highly effective in absorbing water quantities, keeping the amount of water in watersheds to a manageable level. The forest also serves as a cover against erosion. Once they are gone, too much water can result to downstream flooding, many of which have caused disasters in many parts of the world.

As fertile topsoil is eroded and flooded into the lower regions, many coastal fisheries and coral reefs suffer from the sedimentation brought by the flooding. This results to negative effects in the economic viability of many businesses and fatalities in wildlife population.

3. Non-suitability of deforested areas for conversion. Most of the areas that have undergone deforestation are actually unsuitable for long-term agricultural use such as ranching and farming. Once deprived of their forest cover, the lands rapidly degrade in quality, losing their fertility and arability.

The soil in many deforested areas is also unsuitable for supporting annual crops. Much of the grassy areas are also not as productive compared to more arable soils and are therefore not fit for long-term cattle grazing.

4. The displacement of indigenous communities and their traditional way of life. When governments decide to offer forests for deforestation mainly to open up areas for 'civilized' communities, access to forest resources by indigenous peoples are ignored. In fact, indigenous peoples are hardly included in economic and political decisions that directly affect their lives. This encroachment ignores their rights as much as it takes away the resources that their ancestors have bestowed upon them.

5. The loss in the number of biodiversity. This is probably the most serious consequence of deforestation. Put simply, it means the destruction and extinction of many plant and animal species, many of whom remain unknown and whose benefits will be left undiscovered.

Each year, as deforestation continues, much of the wilderness from which we benefit and would have continued to benefit from will be lost forever. With it are the millions of chances in the form of plants and wildlife that could bring us many economic and medical solutions to pressing problems we currently face.

While it's true deforestation has brought with it opportunities to improve our lives, we have not mastered the right kind of responsibility that goes with having control over our planet's resources. As a result, we and all the other creatures on this planet suffer greatly from the consequences of our actions.

For more information now go to: http://www.solutionstoearthdestruction.com http://www.stopearthdestruction.com/Consequence-Of-Deforestation.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Positive-and-Negative-Consequences-of-Deforestation&id=525336

Tuesday, 15 March 2011

Some Of The Facts About Deforestation

Some Of The Facts About Deforestation

Deforestation is a permanent destruction of forests and woods. Deforestation is the conversion of forested area to the non forest land for the use of industrial gain, livestock, and urban use. In the ancient times, most of the land was covered with forests. As the population and other demands damage the earth and it leaded to deforestation.

In all over the world the rate of the destruction of forests is unimaginable. Nearly half of the mature tropical land is destroyed. As the humans are more conscious for searching of new accommodation, and making urban areas, they have become the largest cause of deforestation.

Examples of Deforestation:

Many tropical countries are the victims of deforestation. For example:
• Philippine
• Central America
• Nigeria
• Ethiopia
• Brazil

Other than the beauty, forests are responsible in keeping the world healthy and green. If we are enjoying the quality of life, it's just because of forests. Forests are the gifts that contribute to our quality of life. Deforestation has always been a practice, which is dangerous for lives. Unfortunately all of the negative effects of deforestation are caused by bad agricultural practices, and negligence on the part of government.

Causes of Deforestation:

Deforestation is happening due to many reasons. Some are the common reasons are:
• Urban and Construction purpose
• Population growth
• To grow crops
• Agricultural practices
• To create cattle grazing lands
• Climate change
• Cut the woods for using fuel
• Clearing forests for mining and oil exploitation
• Making roads and highways
• Slash and burn forming techniques
• Wildfire
• Acid rain
• Greenhouse effect
• Making products from woods

Consequences of Deforestation:

There are two types of consequences of deforestation:
• Positive Consequences
• Negative Consequences

Positive Consequences:

Deforestation has made possible the needs of the social groups. Forests are the way for residential houses, building and factories. Roads are building for trading and easier transports. Deforestation also made possible to produce agricultural products. The lands are used for agriculture. This brought more productions of foods and other materials. Economically deforestation contributed much and made positive changes in the lives of humans.

Negative Consequences:

The negative consequences are:
• Exposing of soil
• Flooding
• Drought
• Disruption of water cycle
• Loss of biodiversity
• Climate change
• Desertification
• Shrinking beauty
• Increased population
• Irreversible environmental changes

How to prevent deforestation:

Deforestation should be controlled. There are some suggestions which should be considered.
• Reforestation/Plantation
• Wildlife sanctuaries: not only save the wild animals, but also save the woods and trees.
• Commercial forest plantation
• Water management: improper water management causes the deforestation. This should be controlled.
• Use recycled items
• Farming practices
• Become an advocate: learn how the person can spread the word.
• Support conservative organization: support the organization through donation, money, time etc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nadia_Ansari
http://EzineArticles.com/?Some-Facts-About-Deforestation&id=4471279

Monday, 14 March 2011

8 Ways To Preventing Deforestation


There have been so many discussions on the effects of deforestation in our environment. These effects range from alarming to catastrophic. We have read newspaper headlines that show the wreckage that natural disasters have done. Flashfloods have not only damaged millions of properties all over the globe but it has also collected lives. Landslides have done the same. These two are the results of nature's balance that has been disturbed--they are the effects of deforestation.

Deforestation is the act of converting patches of forests to become areas of residence or industry. More and more businessmen are pushing through forests to obtain more land. Environment is sacrificed in exchange for profit. And this is a highly disturbing fact.

As an individual or as a part of the global community, you can do something to help prevent deforestation. Maybe you can't fight off illegal loggers with your bear hands but with some basic ways, you can make a difference--no matter how small. Here's a list:

1. If deforestation is a negative event, then a positive event should take place to counter its effects--reforestation. Plant trees and begin doing this in your yard. Trees give off oxygen that is essential for human existence and they, in turn, capture the carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale. Trees also help in containing water in its roots. With this simple act, you are able to prevent soil erosion, which is the root cause of landslides!

2. Use recycled items such as books or pad paper, toilet paper, even shopping bags. If you can, do not waste any of these products so that no new raw material would be required to replace them.

3. If you are a farmer (or if you know someone who works as a farmer), try to rotate your crops. Instead of using a different portion of land each year, why not use the same portion with different crops? This practice also helps in maintaining the fertility of the soil. With the rotation of crops, not only is there a variety on the harvest each year, there is also the possibility of keeping that portion of land for as long as you can.

4. Cut down only the mature trees. Do not kill baby trees. And for every tree that is lost, plant another one as a replacement.

5. Join environmental awareness groups that would help you be an advocate of reforestation. In Washington, specifically in the Washington Middle School, there was a group of students that established a service-learning project. In their project, they asked a penny from each person. They explained that this money would help in buying acres of the rainforest in Amazon. Once this pushes through, no deforestation could take place in that purchased area.

6. There is a report that in Indonesia and Malaysia, more and more trees are cut down to produce palm oil. This massive destruction in the forests of both countries resulted into the loss of habitat for the native orangutans. With the loss of more trees, more animals become homeless. You can't help prevent this altogether but you can limit your consumption of products that contain palm oil such as breads, chocolates, and even some cosmetics such as shampoo, soap or toothpaste. As to your food consumption, you can begin a diet of roasted or boiled foods instead of frying them.

7. Instead of using firewood, use coals to heat up your fireplaces during the winter season. Remember that it takes only a few hours to consume the firewood but it would take years to grow a single tree. Think twice before purchasing firewood again.

8. Support the laws or programs that were made to protect the forests and to stop any form of deforestation. Programs such as the Tropical Forestry Action Plan have done a major difference on the way deforestation is looked at today. This program spearheaded the discussion of tropical deforestation.

It is imperative to know that there is no such thing as a small, insignificant act when it comes to defeating deforestation. No matter how small your deed maybe, the important thing there is 'every act can make a difference'. Deforestation can be prevented and you can be an active force in achieving that.

For more information now go to: http://www.solutionstoearthdestruction.com/How-To-Prevent-Deforestation.html http://www.solutionstoearthdestruction.com/Benefit-Of-Deforestation.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset
http://EzineArticles.com/?8-Basic-Ways-of-Preventing-Deforestation&id=508793

Monday, 10 January 2011

The Effects of Deforestation in your World


Many of the earth's most delicate ecosystems have been affected by rampant and irresponsible deforestation. Although the dire effects are well known and documented by researches around the world, deforestation still persists by those who wish to flout the law. Why are forest ecosystems so valuable and what are the effects of deforestation in our world?

Among the ecosystems that currently exist, forest ecosystem have been widely recognized as one of the most efficient and delicate on earth. Forests are important ecosystems because they hold many important nutrients and help to recycle nutrients too. They are also important because they absorb and hold water thus making them a very rich and porous humus topsoil.

Deforestation happens when trees are cut down on a wide scale. This will lead to widespread disruption of a forest ecosystem. When a forest is cleared, the humus rich topsoil is left exposed leading to a number of dire consequences. The rain that falls on the exposed soil converts that rich topsoil into a sealed-off soil that is moist and muddy. It causes the soil to be washed easily into waterways. What is left behind is poor subsoil that leaves the land vulnerable to more natural erosion. In other words, deforestation leads to massive soil and land erosion.

When deforestation happens in tropical rain forests the effects are more devastating. It is because humus topsoil in tropical rain forests is known to be very thin and lacking in nutrients, so when deforestation occurs, the topsoil that is left behind is very vulnerable and will tend to wash away and erode easily. After deforestation in tropical rain forests, the only thing left is very poor nutrient, hard, clay-like subsoil that is not rich enough to sustain most forms of agriculture.

Sediments that are washed away eventually enter our drains, streams and rivers. These eroding sediments are often responsible for clogging up water channel leading to the problem of flooding. Soil erosion upsets surrounding ecosystems and has been known to be responsible for killing off the fishes and flooding reservoirs.

However despite all the ill effects, deforestation still happens around the world at alarming rates, especially in developing countries. A survey carried out by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 33.8 million trees were cleared between 1990 and 1995 in developing countries. That area would be 3 times the size of France! Why? What is happening? It is because forests are ready source of timber and wealth and after the forests are cleared, there's room for agriculture. Most of the agriculture is directed the to the planting of cash crops and grass and other crops to support greater beef promotion.

Global warming is a threat that will affect generations to come. The atmosphere surrounding us that supports life is a God-given gift. It must be protected. We should be leaders in efforts to curb global warming, not resistant followers.

Erin Hunt is an avid writer and activist. She discovered that many are still unaware of the dangers of global warming and thus created a website to educate others on how they can play a role in the fight against global warming. Find out how you can make a difference at http://www.fightagainstglobalwarming.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erin_Hunt
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Effects-of-Deforestation-in-our-World&id=635660