What is Deforestation?

Deforestation refers to the destruction and clearance of forests for different human interests. These include logging operations, timber harvesting, fuel extraction, farming purposes, mining operations, cattle’s grazing, and other industrial and agricultural purposes. The statistics on Global Forest Destruction shows that 78 million acres (31 million hectares) of forestland are eradicated every year, and almost 80% of Earth’s forestland has been wiped out completely. Deforestation affects our environment badly and has adverse effects on wildlife, human health, climate, and ecosystem.

Deforestation and its effects

Deforestation destroys the habitat of many floras and faunas of the world. Because of forest destruction, most species of animal and plant have been extinct completely. Around 70% of world’s species depend on forest; these species bear the negative consequences of deforestation. Sometimes birds and animals are forced to migrate to find new habitat, this brings up problems like migrating to an unfavorable habitat. Clearing forest not only affects plants and animals, but it also destroys the lives of different microbes and insects.

Loss of forest also disturbs the climate. Trees are best medium to consume and store carbon dioxide gas and other greenhouse gasses that cause global warming. Removing trees results in the increase of the level of CO2 in the atmosphere, which is very harmful. Trees also emit carbon dioxide gas when they die. Trees also plays a vital role in the water cycle, trees transpire water vapors from their leaves, without trees a huge amount of water vapors will not circulate in the atmosphere, therefore it will disturb the water cycle. Destruction of forest also causes dry and hot weather conditions because trees block sunlight and heat to reach to the ground, fewer trees mean more heat and sunlight to increase the temperature.

Another negative impact of deforestation is soil erosion. Roots of trees prevent soil from sliding away. Cutting down the trees destroys the shield of the ground soil, as a result of this sand can easily be washed out due to heavy rain. This muddy water can also pollute the streams and can bring health problems for the people who depend on it.

The serious measure must be taken to stop deforestation; things must be done to reverse the adverse effects of it. Reforestation is the best possible way to counter the side effects of deforestation. It can save our environment by reducing the number of harmful gasses, and it can provide a home to many species.

To save our planet and to make it a better place for everyone, we need to preserve our forests.