What Is Deforestation

Deforestation is one of the most serious environmental issues with far-reaching penalties. From temperate forests to tropical rainforests, deforestation has threatened the whole animal kingdom and has intensified global warming as well. The word deforestation refers to clearing of forests mainly due to human activity by the process of logging or burning. Since the dawn of human civilization, man has been clearing natural forests either to use trees or to use the cleared area for alternative uses. Acres of forest areas have been cut down for using the logs as fuel, clearing land for agriculture, oil extraction, dam construction, mining operations, and making space to accommodate the ever increasing human population. In recent years with the advancement of medical science, population explosion is as high as ever and that has further intensified destruction of forests. In some studies it has been estimated that over 12 - 15 million hectares of forest are cleared each year. The effects of deforestation are extensive and if we don’t take up measures now to check deforestation, it will be too late to prevent calamity from striking us. But why does deforestation have such severe consequences? What are the damages caused by deforestation? To get learn more about this, read on.

Overview Of Deforestation 

• Every day thousands of trees are cut down all over the world to use the timber as a major source of fuel, building material, and paper products.
• Urbanization is another crucial factor that has forced men to clear huge forest areas.
• With the growth of population, the need for agricultural land has also increased. This has also led to deforestation.
• Deforestation has many negative consequences on the environment. The most immediate effect of deforestation is loss of habitat of many species of animals. While some animals are able to survive in the changing environment, many species fail to adapt and are on the verge of extinction. Thus, deforestation can alter the earth’s biodiversity.
• Deforestation also plays a major role in global warming. The deforestation of the tropical forest alone contributes to 20 percent of the total greenhouse gases. Trees play a major role in absorbing most of the green house gases like carbon dioxide. As lots of trees are cut down, the concentration of the green houses gases in the atmosphere increases, thus increasing the temperature of the earth.
• Increased soil erosion is another direct consequence of deforestation.
• Deforestation can also lead to unnatural floods and droughts. Clearing forests can disrupt the normal water flow thus causing abnormal floods and droughts.
• As a result of deforestation,  water cycles can also be disrupted. Plants absorb water through roots that are then released into the atmosphere which forms clouds and rains. Cutting down trees can minimize the amount of rainfall making the climate of the area drier.

How To Prevent Deforestation
If you wish to save the planet, it is high time to take some actions to prevent deforestation. You can protect the trees by taking up some small measures that can create a huge impact on the environment you live in. Plant trees in your home, in your locality, and in your workplace. Encourage your kids too to take part in this activity and teach them the importance of trees. Do not waste paper. Try to recycle paper as much as possible. Switch to e-bills and e-mails to minimize the use of paper. Raise awareness about the harmful effects of deforestation and spread the message among your friends, relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances.