DEFORESTATION
Deforestation is the permanent clearing and repurposing of previously forested
land. Though there are a number of motivations behind deforestation, it’s generally
carried out to repurpose the land for other uses, mainly agriculture, or to extract
resources.
Deforestation itself is nothing new, as humans have been clearing forested land
for millennia. But the rate at which we destroy forests has increased dramatically: half
of all deforestation that’s occurred since 8,000 BC took place in the last 100 years.
In addition to deforestation, forested land is also lost through a similar process
known as forest degradation. This is when some, but not all, of the trees in a forested
area are cleared, and the land is not repurposed for any other use.
While forest degradation isn’t a good thing by any measure, it’s much less harmful
in the long-term than deforestation. Degraded forests will grow back over time, but the
trees lost to deforestation are usually lost forever.
How Much Land Has Already Been Deforested?
When the last Ice Age ended around 10,000 years ago, there were roughly six
billion hectares of forest on Earth. Since then, around a third of that forest, or two billion
hectares, has been destroyed. Around 75 percent of this loss occurred over the last 300
years.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that
currently, humans destroy around 10 million hectares of forest every year.
CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION
Urban Construction
Forests are cleared to build cities, houses, roads, schools, and other buildings. As
the population grows, more land is needed for development, so trees are cut down to
make space.
Agriculture
Many forests are cut down to create farmland where crops like rice, corn, or
vegetables are planted. Farmers clear trees so they can use the land for growing food.
Grazing Land
Some forests are removed to create open land where animals like cows, goats,
and sheep can graze. Livestock farmers need large grassy areas, so they clear forests.
Used for Fuel
Trees are cut down for firewood and charcoal, which people use for cooking and
heating, especially in areas where electricity or gas is not easily available.
Commercial Purposes
Forests are cleared to produce products that can be sold, such as timber for
furniture, paper, and construction materials. Companies harvest trees to make profit.
Illegal Logging
This happens when people cut down trees without permission or outside
government rules. Illegal logging often happens in protected forests and causes serious
damage to the environment.
EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION
Loss of Wildlife Habitat
When forests are cut down, animals lose their homes. Many species may move
away, struggle to survive, or become endangered.
Climate Change
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air. When forests are destroyed, more
carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.
Soil Erosion
Tree roots hold the soil in place. Without trees, the soil becomes loose and can
easily be washed away by rain or blown by wind.
Flooding
Forests help absorb rainwater. When trees are removed, rainwater flows quickly
over the land, which can cause floods.
Loss of Biodiversity
Forests contain many different plants and animals. Deforestation reduces the
variety of living things in an area.
Disruption of the Water Cycle
Trees release water vapor into the air through transpiration. Without forests,
rainfall patterns may change, which can lead to drought in some areas.
Impact on Human Communities
People who depend on forests for food, shelter, medicine, and livelihood may lose
their resources when forests are destroyed.