Why Is Deforestation a Major Threat to Our Planet?
Deforestation is a removal or clearing of trees and forest which is converted into use for human, like for agricultural use, making houses, for commercial purpose and other development. About 31% of earth’s land surface is covered by forest, just over 4 billion hectares area and about 71.22 million hectares area of India’s total land is covered by forest. Deforestation is more extreme in the tropical and subtropical forests. These areas are converted into economical uses. The total area of tropical rain forest on Earth is about 16 million square kilometres but because of deforestation, only 6.2 square kilometres are left. According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020, the global rate of net forest loss in 2010-2020 was 7 million hectares per year.
Causes of Deforestation
The primary reason for deforestation is agricultural. According to FAQ, agriculture leads to around 80% of deforest. For the survival of the livelihood, the farmer cut trees of the forest and use that land for the purpose of cultivation. Due to the increasing population, the demand of food product is also increasing, because of this large amount of land is needed for the cultivation of crops hence farmers are bounded to cut down the forest to grow crops on that land.
Apart from this, the demand for paper, match-sticks, furniture, etc. are also increasing. Therefore the wood-based industries needs a substantial amount of wood supply to make this product. Paper plays an important role in everyone life. The paper is thrown away every year like to make accounts for approximately 640 million trees. That’s why it is said that we always have to recycle paper. Wood is used as fuel, many people cut trees and burn them for the purpose to make food. Wood is also used as coal. In every house, there is a wooden door, window and many more things. These things create a very large demand for wood which results in the cause of deforestation.
Further, to gain access to these places, the construction of roads is undertaken. Trees are again cut to build roads. The expansion of cities is also responsible for the cutting of trees, this expansion of cities is directly responsible for the growing population, people of these places need houses, roads and other facilities so that they cut trees for their livelihood.
Many industries in petrochemicals release their waste into rivers, which result in soil erosion and make it unfit to grow plants and trees on these places. The oil and coal mining requires a large amount of forest land. The waste that comes out from mining pollutes the environment and affects other species.
Another reason is forest fire. Thousands of trees every year lost by a forest fire. The reason for forest fire is the hot temperature of that place and milder winter. On many places, the fire is caused because of human’s irresponsibilities. Fires, either caused by human or by nature, results in a massive amount of loss of forest covers.
We all know that the population of the world is increasing rapidly, which is also a reason behind deforestation. People cut down trees and on that place they make houses.
Effect of Deforestation
Forest are the lungs of our planet. Trees take carbon dioxide and release oxygen which is responsible for our living. Trees also provide shed to soil because of which soil remain moist. Trees also release water vapours, that’s why climate remains humid but due to the process of deforestation the climate becomes drier and hotter which make ecology difficult that leads to climate change. Also, this factor is mainly responsible for the forest fire.
Animal and plants which form flora and fauna across the world have to suffer due to the deforestation. Various animal species are lost, they loos their habitat and forced to move to a new location. It is very difficult for them to adopt new habitats. The cutting of trees is responsible for soil erosion. The fertile soil is held in place by intricate root structures of many layers of trees. Without trees, erosion often occurs and sweeps the land into nearby rivers. With the cutting of trees the soil is directly exposed to the sun which dries them dry. Deforestation is mainly responsible for floods, loss of biodiversity, food ecosystem, wildlife extinction and habitat loss.
FAQs on Deforestation Essay: Causes, Effects, and Practical Solutions
1. What is deforestation and why is it considered a major environmental crisis?
Deforestation is the large-scale removal of trees and clearing of forests for other land uses, such as agriculture, urban development, or mining. It is considered a major environmental crisis because forests are crucial for life on Earth. They produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, regulate climate patterns, and are home to over 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity. Losing them disrupts these essential functions, leading to widespread ecological imbalance.
2. What are the main causes of deforestation?
The main causes of deforestation are a mix of human activities and natural factors. Key drivers include:
- Agricultural Expansion: Clearing land for crops like palm oil and soy, and for cattle ranching.
- Logging: Cutting down trees for timber, paper production, and fuel.
- Infrastructure Development: Building roads, dams, and cities that fragment and destroy forest habitats.
- Mining: Clearing forests to extract minerals and fossil fuels.
- Forest Fires: Both natural and human-caused fires can destroy vast areas of forest.
3. How does deforestation lead to soil erosion and land degradation?
Trees play a vital role in maintaining soil health. Their roots act like a net, binding the soil and preventing it from being washed or blown away. The forest canopy protects the soil from heavy rainfall. When trees are removed through deforestation, the soil becomes exposed. Without the protective roots and canopy, rain and wind can easily erode the fertile topsoil. This loss of topsoil, known as soil erosion, leads to land degradation, making the land barren and unsuitable for agriculture.
4. What is the connection between deforestation and climate change?
The connection is twofold. Firstly, forests act as "carbon sinks," meaning they absorb and store vast amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a primary greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere. When forests are cut down and burned, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Secondly, fewer trees mean less capacity to absorb future CO₂ emissions, accelerating the rate of climate change.
5. Besides environmental damage, what are the social impacts of deforestation?
Deforestation has severe social consequences, especially for communities that depend on forests for their livelihood. The key impacts include:
- Displacement of Indigenous Peoples: Many indigenous communities are forced to relocate as their traditional forest homes are destroyed.
- Loss of Livelihood: People who rely on forests for food, medicine, and income lose their primary resources.
- Social Conflict: Disputes over land rights and resources can arise between communities, corporations, and governments.
- Increased Poverty: The loss of natural resources often pushes already vulnerable populations further into poverty.
6. What are some effective solutions to stop deforestation?
Combating deforestation requires a multi-pronged approach. Effective solutions include:
- Reforestation and Afforestation: Planting new trees in deforested areas and creating new forests.
- Sustainable Forest Management: Implementing practices that allow for logging without destroying the entire ecosystem.
- Government Regulations: Enforcing laws against illegal logging and creating protected forest areas.
- Promoting Sustainable Products: Encouraging consumers to choose products certified by organisations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
- Community Involvement: Empowering local communities to manage and protect their forests.
7. What key points should I include in a deforestation essay for my exam?
For a well-structured essay on deforestation, you should include the following key points:
- Introduction: Start with a clear definition of deforestation and a thesis statement about its impact.
- Causes: Explain the primary reasons for deforestation, such as agriculture, logging, and urbanisation.
- Consequences: Detail the major effects, including climate change, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and social impacts.
- Solutions: Discuss potential solutions like reforestation, sustainable practices, and government policies.
- Conclusion: Summarise the main points and end with a strong concluding thought or a call to action.
