Deforestation – Reasons for, consequences of and solutions to.

Laura Thomas Deforestation

Biology

For many years humans have invaded forests and there has been dramatic deforestation across the world as a whole. Deforestation in the UK has left the land with only about 10% woodland left, however the main concern across the world is the rapid rates occurring in the tropical rainforests i.e the Amazon in Brazil.

. Underlying causes include such issues as poverty, unequal land ownership, women's status, education and population. Immediate causes are often concerned with a search for land and resources, including both commercial timber and fuelwood. Obtaining softwood for paper and other wood products leads to the extraction of timber for export and industry. This is one of the most obvious causes, especially in a developing world such as brazil. The need for new land within a country for residentail, industrial and transport uses can encourage the government to clear rainforest areas. At the same time with a growing world population, many areas of rainforest have been destroyed to provide grassland for ‘ranching’ of cattle and settlement areas. Rivers have been utilised to generate electricity through construction of hydroelectric schemes which engulf areas, along with the roads to make the facilities accessable.

There are many ways in which deforestation affects the population and the environment. One of the most significant consequences is the impact on plants and animals. Habitats are lost and there is the threat of extiction to some species which has serious concerns. Some species may adapt to life elsewhere, but others depend critically on factors in the forest ecosystem.

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It is difficult to predict the long term effects of the loss in biolodgical diversity and the changes in nutrient cycles. Less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis, leading to a rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. Fewer trees means less transpiration, which may lead to a less humid atmosphere since less water evaporates from soil than from leaves.

The ground is left bare leaving the soil to be exposed and easily eroded. This can lead to landslides, mudflows and increased leaching causing the loss of soil nutrients therefore reduced soil fertility. This soil is then relatively poor condition for any future agricultural use.

There are also consequences to do with the climate as the tree burning increases carbon dioxide levels and this contributes to global warming and the greenhouse effect.

In several countries there are moves towards managing and protecting against deforestation. The conservation of areas in national parks where no disturbance is allowed is a solution clearly shown in the UK. Replanting sratigies are part of the sustainable management along with the controlling of fuelwood supplies.

Products such as Recycled paper are readily available and can reduce the demand for timber. Charging higher prices for valuble timber products can also help reduce the current rate of deforestation.

Other solutions are to raise public awareness and to inform consumers about the environmental effects faced by the consequences of deforestation. Government and industry must become more aware of the consequences of their activities and change accordingly. They need to cooperate in forest management and working towards a future that benefits all. Governments must play a greater role in forest management to protect the environment and employment.

Laura Thomas Page of