Deforestation : causes, effects, solutions

   Hello everyone,
Welcome back to my blog my self Devashish Tak and in this blog we will discuss about a major problem ,  DEFORESTATION 

In simple terms  what we people thinks about deforestation is about cutting trees, clearing forest for benefits of humankind but do we know that by cutting trees we are taking our self  to the extinction of the life.

Do you know about the fact that  one large tree provide the oxygen to 4 people
Now let us know more about deforestation causes.





CAUSES
People have been deforesting the Earth for thousands of years, primarily to clear land for crops or livestock. Although tropical forests are largely confined to developing countries, they aren’t just meeting local or national needs; economic globalization means that the needs and wants of the global population are bearing down on them as well. 

1.Conversion of forest-for other land uses, including pulp, palm, and soy plantations, pastures, settlements, roads and infrastructure.
2.Forest fires:-Each year, fires burn millions of hectares of forest worldwide. Fires are a part of nature but degraded forests are particularly vulnerable. The resulting loss has wide-reaching consequences on biodiversity, climate, and the economy.






3.Illegal and unsustainable logging:-Illegal logging occurs in all types of forests across all continents – from Brazil to Indonesia  destroying nature and wildlife, taking away community livelihoods and distorting trade.
4Fuelwood harvesting:- Over-harvesting for domestic use or for commercial trade in charcoal significantly damages forests.
5. Mining: -The impact of mining on tropical forests is growing due to rising demand and high mineral prices.  
6. Climate change:- Forest loss is both a cause and an effect of our changing climate. Climate change can damage forests, for instance by drying out tropical rainforests and increasing fire damage in boreal forests. Inside forests, climate change is already harming biodiversity, a threat that is likely to increase.
These causes to deforestation affect to  many of the wildlife on the earth even affecting our self also many of the animal species lost their lives due to deforestation.

7. Paper According to the Environment Paper Network, the paper that’s thrown away each year accounts for approximately 640 million trees. America, China, Canada, Japan, constitute more than that of the world’s paper production, and that is 400 million tons a year.
If we recycled, that could save 27.5 million tons of carbon dioxide from going into the atmosphere. We allow the forests to continue to remain as a favorable ecosystem and wildlife habitat if we use recycled paper.

EFFECTS
 
Shrinking forests can cause wide-reaching problems, including soil erosion, water cycle disruption, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity losses. Combined, these four issues affect not only wild plants and animals but human beings as well.
 
1. Soil Erosion
Soil can be surprisingly loose, and it doesn't always stay in the same place. It can be washed away by rain or blown away by wind if it isn't properly anchored. What anchors the soil in place? The roots of plants, mostly. This is especially true of trees, which have roots large enough to anchor large swaths of soil. When humans clear large forests, soil erosion can become a serious problem.  

2. Water Cycle Disruption
The water cycle is the process by which all water on earth is distributed. Trees and other plants also extract groundwater and release that water into the atmosphere during photosynthesis. Clouds then produce rain, which becomes both groundwater and – eventually ocean water again. 
However, when large numbers of trees are cut down, the water they usually extract, store and release into the atmosphere is no longer present. This means that cleared forests, which once had moist, fertile soil and plenty of rain become barren and dry. This kind of change in climate is called desertification. Such dry conditions can lead to an increased risk of fire on peatland and great loss of life for the plants and animals that once lived in the forest.

3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide are gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, leading to global climate change. Fortunately, in addition to releasing oxygen and water into the atmosphere, trees also absorb carbon dioxide. While trees are still living, they function as efficient greenhouse gas filters. The moment they are cut down, the carbon dioxide that was stored in their trunks and leaves is released into the atmosphere, further contributing to the buildup of greenhouse gases. After trees are removed from a large piece of land, the carbon dioxide in that area can no longer be absorbed as it was before.
 
4. Biodiversity Losses
  Deforestation alters land too quickly for plants and animals to cope, which means that many of them do not survive. If enough deforestation occurs, entire species can be wiped out. This loss of life is known as biodiversity loss.
Biodiversity losses affect ecosystems. For example, if a small species of frog becomes extinct, it could affect populations of predators such as birds who rely on the frogs for food. Certain plants might rely on the birds to spread their seeds and might also suffer population losses. Because each piece of an ecosystem relies upon other pieces, one species loss can have far-reaching consequences for other species.

SOLUTIONS

 1. Government Regulations

The best solution to deforestation is to curb the felling of trees by enforcing a series of rules and laws to govern it. Deforestation in the current scenario may have reduced; however, it would be too early to assume.

2. Banning Clear-Cutting of Forests

This will curb the total depletion of the forest cover. It is a practical solution to deforestation.

3. Reforestation and Afforestation

Land skinned of its tree cover for urban settlements should be urged to plant trees in the vicinity and replace the cut tree. Also, the cutting must be replaced by planting young trees to replace the older ones that were cut.
 
4. Reduce Consumption of Paper
Your daily consumption of paper includes printing paper, notebooks, napkins, toilet paper, etc. Try to reduce consumption, reduce waste of paper and also opt for recycled paper products. 
5. Educate Others
Still, many are entirely unaware of the global warming problem we’re facing. Educate your friends, family, and community by sharing the deforestation facts, and its causes and effects. You can make an impact!
6. Purchase from Sustainable, Forest-Friendly Companies
Try to purchase from companies that are committed to reducing deforestation. Asian Pulp and Paper, Disney, L’Oreal, Hershey, Unilever, Willmar International are deforestation-free. 
7. Reduce Consumption of Deforestation Prone Products
Palm oil is a common ingredient in absolutely everything we see around us. Make it a simple habit to get a quick peek at the ingredients. Soybeans are another deforestation hotspot.
Try finding ways to reduce consumption or opting for organic, local soy products and, if possible, avoid it completely.

THANKYOU






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