Deforestation: Definition, Causes and Effects

Climate change and global warming are hot topics of discussion today in almost every global forum and these problems are to a large extent caused by deforestation. The fact is that humans and animals cannot survive if deforestation continues the way it is at present. At present, there seems to be no end in sight and deforestation is capable of altering the future of the whole earth. That’s why it’s important to understand what deforestation is, what is causing deforestation, its effects on our life and planet and how we can together solve this potentially disastrous situation.

Experts estimate that about 500,000 square miles (1.3 million square kilometres) of land is deforested every 10 years. Half of that is primary forest, which means it has never been cut down before. The largest amount of deforestation is happening in tropical areas, where rainforests are being cut down.”

– Kids Britannica

What Is Deforestation?

Children often ask, “What is deforestation?” and the answer is simple enough! It’s the cutting down of trees by humans or by natural causes which lead to reduced forest areas. More often than not, humans are the problem with their increased requirement of wood for construction, urbanisation and a host of other reasons and thus cause widespread deforestation across the world. Deforestation is converting wooded areas into farms, ranches or cities. Most deforestation activities benefit the production of other commodities like soy, palm oil, and other lucrative commodities. As of now, the most widespread deforestation is in the Amazon rainforest of South America.

Did you ever question ‘deforestation causes effects and solutions?’

What Are The Causes Of Deforestation?

Deforestation occurs mainly in two ways –

• Man-made 
• Naturally or by accident.

Man-made Deforestation

This deforestation is caused by man for the purpose of expanding the livable area.

1. Residential : Forests are cleared to make way for housing developments. Increase in this process leads to habitat loss and increased human-wildlife conflicts.
2. Agricultural : Large areas of forest are converted into farmland for crops and livestock, reducing forest cover and impacting local climate.
3. Commercial or industrial land development : Forests are cut to build factories, roads, and other infrastructure, contributing to habitat fragmentation.
4. Strip mining : This process involves removing large areas of forest to access minerals beneath the soil, causing long-term environmental damage.
5. Logging : Trees are cut down for timber and paper products, often leading to deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
6. Unsustainable forest management and human activities : Poor practices and overexploitation of forest resources lead to degradation and loss of forests, affecting ecosystem services.
   

Natural Deforestation

This occurs due to natural phenomena such as abrupt changes in nature.

1. Volcanic eruptions : Lava flows and ash can destroy large forest areas, altering landscapes and affecting local wildlife.
2. Avalanches, hurricanes : These natural disasters can flatten forests and cause extensive damage, leading to long-term ecological changes.
3. Climate or temperature change : Shifts in climate can alter forest ecosystems, leading to tree loss and changes in species composition.
4. Drought : Prolonged time without water can weaken and kill trees, contributing to forest decline and increasing the risk of wildfires.
5. Severe insect infestation : Insect outbreaks can devastate forests, leading to significant tree loss and altering the ecosystem balance, affecting biodiversity.
6. Disease : Pathogens can spread rapidly through forests, causing widespread tree mortality and disrupting the natural habitat of many species.

The growing number of people is a big problem because the more people there are, the more resources we need. This is a really bad cycle because cutting down trees leads to more trees being cut down. Even though it might seem like deforestation happens because of natural or accidental reasons, it’s actually people causing most of the deforestation around the world. And human activity is a big reason why deforestation happens.

Effects Of Deforestation on Earth

The consequences of deforestation have been very far-reaching and impacted the environment and livelihood of many.

1. Forests take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen with the Amazon rainforests of South America being responsible for 20 percent of Earth’s oxygen that we breathe in. When trees are cut down, the carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere which is one of the major deforestation causes and effects.
2. Trees help to control the level of atmospheric water and when they are cut down, there is less water in the air to return to the soil disturbing the water cycle. This results in dryer soil which will eventually stop supporting agriculture or ranching which is one of the causes of deforestation to be aware of.
3. 80 percent of the animal and plant species inhabit forests and deforestation results in loss of habitat for many animal and plant species. Forest trees provide shelter and regulate light and temperatures. Cutting of trees results in temperature changes and increased sunlight which can prove disastrous for many plant and animal species as it results in endangerment or extinction of species. It is one of the important deforestation effects.
4. The roots of various plants prevent soil erosion and also one of the crucial deforestation effects to remember. Deforestation degrades the quality of soil as fertile topsoil gets washed away leaving the land barren and prone to flooding. Soil erosion perpetuates deforestation as new land is deforested to support crop growth or cattle grazing.
5. A lot of indigenous people rely completely on forests for their livelihood and they are adversely affected due to deforestation. Deforestation kills plants they may use for medicine and sustenance, drives away the animals, leaves them vulnerable to the elements and disrupts their life.
6. One of the major consequences of deforestation is that due to the absence of sufficient trees, severe climatic changes are visible. These are the deforestation causes, effects and solutions.

7 Measures To Curb Deforestation

There are certain measures which can be adopted by people to reduce deforestation and reverse its effects, the obvious solution being to stop the human activities that are causing it. However, the increasing population of people has caused an increase in demand for the things grown on deforested land. If deforestation continues as it is at present, global warming and climate change will continue unabated and eventually lead to the destruction of life on earth.

1. It is important to plant trees whenever and wherever we can. Each tree that is planted plays a role in lessening the impact of deforestation by absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, and establishing habitats for wildlife. Trees also play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and sustaining the water cycle, which is vital for a thriving environment.
2. Start practising the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle into your everyday routine. Advocate for others to do the same, as it presents a crucial remedy to deforestation. Through waste reduction, material reuse, and product recycling, we can diminish the necessity for new resources and alleviate the pressure on deforestation.
3. Paper is made from trees, so using less paper every day is beneficial. Instead of throwing away paper that has only been used on one side, use both sides before we recycle it. Whenever possible, choose digital options and support companies that make paper in a sustainable way.
4. Raise awareness about the significance of reforestation and the risks associated with deforestation. Inform others about the role of planting a tree in addressing climate change, conserving biodiversity, and safeguarding ecosystems. Point out the adverse effects of deforestation, including loss of habitat, heightened greenhouse gas emissions, and disturbance of the water cycle.
5. Encourage the use of products that guarantee minimal or zero deforestation. Show your support by purchasing items from companies that prioritise sustainable methods and hold certifications proving they are not involved in deforestation. By opting for these products, you can play a role in decreasing the need for deforestation and motivating other companies to embrace environmentally-friendly practices.
6. Do some research and find out about organisations which are actively fighting deforestation and its effect globally. This will give you an idea on ways to help slow and gradually stop deforestation. Organisations like WWF, IUCN and the Pachamama Alliance have been working with government officials, companies and communities to promote responsible forest management practices, reforming trade policies, combating illegal logging and protecting forests. They have been providing public and private organisations with tools and information that simultaneously enable human progress, economic development and protection of forests. They offer people the opportunity to learn, engage, travel, and cherish life so that there is a sustainable future for all.
7. Become an advocate of afforestation and become a subscriber or donor of an accredited organisation that is actively and responsibly working towards stopping unnecessary deforestation.

Deforestation happens when large areas of forest lands are cleared for a variety of human activities. This is mainly because of the increasing population which requires more and more resources and commodities. Deforestation is mainly carried out for monetary gains and man’s greed but we pay a very heavy price with it. Around 18 million acres of forests are cleared each year for various reasons. Deforestation has disastrous effects on our environment like loss of habitat for many animal and plant species, global warming and climate change. But it’s not too late and there are several measures that can be taken to curb deforestation and its effects. Which of the deforestation solutions are you going to follow today along with your child?

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