Deforestation can cause the climate to become more extreme in nature, the occurrence and strength of floods and drought could increase. Heavy rainfall and sunlight quickly damage the topsoil in clearings of the tropical rainforest. In such circumstances the forest will take much longer to regenerate and the land will not be suitable for agricultural use for quite some time.
Forests store large amounts of carbon that are released when trees are cut or burned. It is projected that deforestation and the burning of biomass will be responsible for fifteen percent of the greenhouse effect between 1990 and 2025. This biological effect of the greenhouse effect will differ in different countries. More carbon dioxide in the atmosphere means higher average temperatures. The resulting thermal expansion and ice melt will lead to the rise of sea levels and this will dramatically affect or even destroy coastal habitats. Another biological effect is the reduction of transpiration mainly in the tropical areas. Along with reduced transpiration, rainfall and average relative humidity also decrease, all of which further increase the risk of fire which is then capable of destroying the forest even more.
Increased soil erosion and landslides is another biological effect. Following deforestation the kinetic energy of raindrops causes splash erosion as without the forest canopies intercepting the rainfall and absorbing the energy of the rainfall, soil erosion is increased. Deforestation increases the volume and velocity of rainfall reaching soil and accelerates soil erosion or leaching-the downward movement of soluble nutrients through the soil profile. Both soil erosion and leaching will decrease the overall productivity of the soil.
Deforestation is a serious problem. But humans can make a difference. An individual as well as a business can practice green consumerism. They can make an effort to purchase the most ecologically sensitive products. Recycled paper is readily available. Such a product can reduce the demand for timber. Another method is to purposely avoid harmful products by consumer boycotts. In terms of deforestation, these include tropical rainforest wood, old-growth wood and beef produced on ranches in the tropical rainforest. For additional effectiveness, boycotts can be applied to other products of companies involved in deforestation as well as their subsidiaries. Requesting alternative products such as clearcut-free paper and eco-certified lumber is important in convincing companies that markets for environmentally responsible products do indeed exist. None of these activities can occur without the raising of public awareness to inform consumers about the environmental effects of their products. One of the most important ways for a person to have a positive effect is to reduce his or her consumption of forest and related products. An increase in the participation of the public in and the accessibility and productiveness of facilities for reducing, reusing and recycling is necessary.
Education is one of the most effective catalysts for change. Society should undertake to educate the people of today to change their ways and the younger generations to have respect for nature. Also education is vital for areas where deforestation is taking place due to overpopulation. Education can then be used to educate people about birth control to reduce overpopulation.
Sustainable forestry is also important to prevent deforestation. Examples of sustainable management are exploiting the trees for their natural produce like berries, fruit or nut or Use the Hobb Method of farming.
Word banks can also play a role by financing for those affected countries to redirect their industry. Also a world ban on cutting down hardwoods should be done and basically have stronger international legislation.
Humans bear the responsibility for deforestation and the global ecological crisis. But humankind has the ability and potential to change its ways. Humans will probably turn the situation around and the lost forests will be regenerated. The benefits will be many. Trees will help protect the land from the rising seas and further erosion. Biodiversity will be safeguarded, and endangered species will have better chances for survival. Water and air quality will improve. Human health will also benefit from medicinal compounds that are given a chance to be discovered. The population will have great expanses of terrain to find relaxation, seek refuge from cities, or challenge themselves. Local economies will gain from ecotourism and consumers worldwide will gain satisfaction from knowing that their wood products were harvested in a sustainable manner. In order for this to occur humans would have had to undergo some degree of ideological change. Humans will live more sustainable lives and be closer in harmony with nature. Once the crisis of deforestation has passed, humankind will enjoy a finer existence, and will look forward to a bright future.
