It is a common mistaken belief that deforestation is only a contemporary incidence. Some say that annihilation of the vast green world has dated back only to the 50's, but all these were proven to be wrong. The history of deforestation takes us back into the corridors of time when humans primarily occupied the earth.
Fire was used deliberately and was started to be the first cause of bald forests since half a million years ago. Ever since the era of the ancient domain has processed, the ways to barren our lands have evolved and thereby discovered recent man made ideations to deplete our forests of its natural glow. The turn of the twentieth century has further paved way for more advanced knowledge on deforestation techniques that the number of destroyed forests has not stopped counting ever since.
Although it is a sad fact, deforestation has been used as a method of means to earn a living. From small to bigger profits, deforestation has been used by humans in all class types and races. For whichever ways it served them, there is truly no excuse of destroying the forest and harming the nature that brings a heap of better and bigger possibilities for the world. Our forests offer a permanent life source, and it shouldn't be exchanged for the temporary joys of human gain and profit.
Pre Historical Deforestation
Some 4000 years ago, evidences of man made plant and animal extinction actions have been seen. Fire was one of the popular methods of balding a forest to be turned into an agricultural area. Grazing animals also became a lead to major deforestation in area locales. The aborigines transferred form one location to another whenever the land becomes barren and of no further use to them.
Perhaps the only reason why there were no significant effects at that time is because of the population issue. If the present population has been born in the past, then extreme deforestation actions could have happened. The world could not have tolerated the effects some million years ago if this were the case. Luckily, the population now isn't the same in number than the people who used to inhabit the earth. If it so happened that the aborigines were wide in number, then the earth now could have been one of the dreadful places to live in.
The Industrial Times Of Deforestation
Since the advent of industrialization began, deforestation processes still continued and even rose to bigger numbers. None at that time was able to see the probable effects that we are experiencing right now. During those times, timber was in great popularity among shipbuilders; thus, the business of logging grew in astounding counts.
Also, woods were used in constructions and pottery; and whenever forests were depleted of these essential businesses, men flew from place to place in search of a new and fresh source of timber. On and on the process continued until visible barren land areas came to view. Since then, it became difficult to put a stop to deforestation, and men only grew with greed for their sole profits.
Present Deforestation Trends
Marginal soils are being used in a slash and burn method for creating short term goals. Over 200 million people are using this technique all over the world; and perhaps it is the main reason why gigantic land areas have been totally exhausted and eroded. Such lands are of no use for any form of cultivation at the present time. Beyond doubt, the demand of growing businesses have endangered the forests ever since.
If people try to go over the history of deforestation then and now, it can virtually be seen that our untouched land areas are slowly disappearing. The means of reversing could still be probable; but it needs great deal of human effort to finally bring a change into our world.
No matter how unreachable goals may seem, there can still be ways to achieve it if followed with utmost sincerity and unconditional love for nature.
There are obvious consequences when you try to put up a battle with nature, but in spite all these knowledge, why does ecological disturbance still exist? Why does deforestation happen when everybody knows for a fact that it is doing more harm than good to nature? The answers are a bit tricky, and it comes in complex ways.
Perhaps man is engaging in such battle for the mere purpose of sustaining his needs. Man resorts to activities where he can still get something of benefit to him. The basic necessities of life should be met on a daily basis, and meeting these needs would mean searching for ways to acquire it. One good place for probing is nature; but the more we draw something from it, the more it gets consumed and overly exhausted.
The Global Man Made Phenomenon
Forests are being stripped at an alarming rate since the 1900's, and both men and government made no aggressive moves to save the planet from total annihilation. Perhaps the reason why men can't simply take their hands off of nature is because of the need to live. Likewise, the government can see no further ways to stop the issues since it has been at a steadily increasing rate.
The first good reason why our lands are being wiped off with all the naturals is because of its values. The more viable products they see in nature, the more men become eager to penetrate the wild. Wherever there is money involved, there will always be humans hovering above it. Above all, forest depletion is for men consumption. Although it's a terrible truth, people are all aware of it; but some would only let it pass their eyes for the sole purpose of profiting.
Apart from food, other resources can also be derived from nature. Among the most popular ones are the benefits which we get from trees such as paper, napkins, wood for home use, timber for constructing buildings and crafting furniture; and lastly; for heating purposes. With the wide use of lumber, it would be sure to have an impact on economic growth but with a death in forest values. The trend has become quite surprising because of the ongoing rise of the rates that reflect man's likelihood of parasitizing and demolishing nature.
Why Does Deforestation Result To Devastation
There are some experts who believe that deforestation is not evil in all ways. It has some good outcomes with nature too, but the matter of controlling and disciplining oneslef becomes the biggest question. Take note, we are not only talking about the depletion of ecological life, but with the extinction of human life too.
Areas which are emptied of the green life, especially in tropical rainforests, can be very receptive to deforestation. Tropical rainforests consist of only a delicate layer of topsoil that is effortlessly worn away if there is no undergrowth grasping it in place.
The wildlife that is adapted to live in the jungle typically cannot continue to exist out in the open. Forests also act as the heat absorber of the planet, and it serves as the biggest recipients of carbon dioxide in the air. The rich green lands entrap moisture and augment clamminess; thereby creating a reserve for animal use. Without the plant life protecting moisture from seeping out into thin air, the animals can become endangered as well.
So why does deforestation happen? Perhaps, the answer to that is ourselves. We can never point fingers on anyone since we all contribute to the earth's likely demise. From the small things that we do and from the biggest threats like major corporations, everyone realistically participates in the gradual killing of the earth.
Mankind is feeling the wrath of nature. It seems that more and more natural disasters are taking place; and this has led to consciousness about the earth’s resources. Forests are the most affected ecosystem in the planet. This is probably due to the fact that basic necessities need trees as a raw material.
What is even more appalling is man’s desire for wider land areas, so they cut off more trees in order to convert the area into a housing community or subdivision; and an agricultural land or worse, a dump site – this perhaps can be the answer to what is deforestation.
By Definition
By definition, deforestation means the cutting or removal of trees from woodlands or forests in order to convert the land into commercial or logging reasons or for whatever purpose it may serve them. Generally, deforestation denotes the extraction of trees without sufficient reforestation or effort to replant a tree elsewhere to replace the one that has been cut.
Since time immemorial, man has been making the environment adapt to the civilizations' growing needs. First it was cutting trees down to use for kindling, next it was for shelter, and then for paper and other products. Thousands of forests have been cleared all over the world to pave way for man’s innovations and spatial requirements. It seems that forests are present to cater to man’s needs and whims.
Raising Consciousness
It is human nature to be moved into action when our sense of well being becomes endangered. This is undoubtedly the reason why most people are becoming concerned over deforestation.
The easiest way to make people care is to emphasize the benefits of forests and woodland, and to show how its depletion will radically change our lives for the worst. First off, deforestation revolves around a number of issues but none as totally important as the two key subjects that we must be aware of: the primary concern is global warming or green house effect, the secondary matter is the question of whether the trees are utilized properly and if reforestation efforts are being made.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping reduce the amount of carbon released into our atmosphere. Deforestation kills the trees that help prevent greenhouse effect. Green house effect accounts for the Earth's over all temperature rises, thus causing bizarre weather patterns. That is why the frequency of droughts, floods, tidal waves, and other natural disasters have risen.
The second concern is that the trees being cleared to pave way for metropolis are simply slashed and burned. Aside from the excessive emission of carbon dioxide brought about by burning wood, there is the apprehension that the trees would have been put to better use providing shelter for the homeless, building materials or other useful undertakings. The subsequent effects are truly devastating. Who knew that deforestation can cause so much head ache?
Yes, who knew? If only people have taken the time to inform themselves then they would have been able to make informed decisions and fight for what is right.
What Can You Do To Help?
Since you are now knowledgeable of what is deforestation, it would be of much help to lead in the initial steps to change. Are you thinking what a lowly individual can do to help? Well, small steps make a huge difference especially when everyone is working at the same goal. Armed with the knowledge of the disasters that deforestation can bring about will definitely make a person regulate his or her actions.
Start by conserving the most basic of household materials like paper towels, napkins and tissue papers. Recycling and knowing how to recycle materials will greatly help find a solution to green house emissions. Next is to be pro active and help educate other people by joining campaign groups who fight against deforestation.
Generally you don’t have to be like a crazy person shouting at the streets and joining rallies, begin by changing your attitude and outlook and then you will see that little things do make a difference.
Tropical forests constitute about 7% of the earth’s land area; and about 90% of it has already been destroyed. Can you imagine what the world would be like if all untouched areas of the earth will be totally depleted? A number of problems could definitely arise, from long term ailments to environmental crisis and even cultural problems. Truly, the dilemma that humans cause nature will result to a wide variety of far greater civilization troubles.
Although such things are hard to realize presently, all will be aware of it if the burden becomes thicker and heavier through time. Hence, when all else is still changeable in tropical deforestation, people should be one in taking care of nature and nourishing it rather than slowly parasitizing its values.
Perhaps the one thing that's difficult to change in people is the attitude. They only regret when everything becomes inevitable already. If changes could be made somehow, then there would be likely chances of world and population survival in the coming generations ahead. Remember, there are millions of people to be born and would inhabit the earth after us. Making the world a better place for them to live in could very well be the best gift that we could offer.
Destruction Through Tropical Deforestation
Human doings have considerably distorted the natural dissemination of forests through history. Tropical deforestation and habitat annihilation is relentlessly crippling the forest ecosystem. Forests are being destroyed at a rate faster than you can ever imagine; and with habitant obliteration comes the demise of species too.
Apart from all those mentioned, tropical deforestation makes up for the reason why the cooling system of the earth around its equator has been disrupted. Climate changes have been noticed to cover all of the earth due to the accelerating number of tropical forest damage. Fall of two or more trees have been proven to cause much effects on the earth's environment and atmosphere as well. This goes to show how important it is to preserve whatever natural resources we have for the betterment of our world.
People may have never thought that the scattered tropical forests are the lungs of our world. They may simply think of them as absorbers of Carbon Dioxide; but no, they are mainly the chief organs working in the earth to put off and eliminate any form of toxics that comes in. These hidden facts are unknown to many and should be brought up in people's minds so they can find more means for the earth's longer years of survival.
Ways Of Halting Destruction
The only known way to halt the destruction of tropical forests is to stop all activities which lead to the act. Hence, lawful practices should be strictly provided and shall bow on no one. Even in tropical deforestation, there is no one above the law. Conscientiousness should also run from every individual in this planet; without such, people will keep on destroying our natural environment.
We also need honest and responsible people to lead our world in the fight against biologic killing. Again, not one person can be exempted from the rules which only aim to safeguard our future and the coming generations as well.
The means of stopping tropical deforestation and healing the earth are definitely huge steps to carry on; it needs people who are dependable and devoted to nature in every way possible. Unless this consciousness seeps through our veins, there is definitely no other way to save earth.
The term human population and deforestation have been used interchangeably through the thickness of time. Could this mean that the growing crowd of humans be the leading cause of our forest depletion today? Well, possibly that could really be the case.
After all, humans are responsible for everything that's happening in the planet, from the cutting of trees to the widening of roads and to the construction of infrastructures. They say that humans build for a better world, but is that really their purpose? Are humans actually building for the world or are they fostering for themselves?
It is unrealistic to emphasize the magnitude of destruction of humankind's wiping out of the forests. The conversion of forested lands by human deeds denotes one of the greatest threats in global environmental variation and one of the eminent drivers to biodiversity death. The influence and bearing of the people has been and carries on to be extremely overpowering.
Our vast resources are cleared, corrupted and disintegrated by lumber garner, transformation to crop growing, road construction, man made fires, and in countless further ways. The attempt to utilize and mollify the forest has been an invariable premise in the revolution of the earth, in various communities, and in many countries. Deforestation and human growth has indeed brought a heap of implications in our planet.
The Historical Trends
Presently, deforestation research and studies show a few conclusions that can be made. At minimal population mass, it is achievable to preserve intact forests with vast land areas. Instead of the population being sustained primarily through agricultural land transformations, they can easily be fed with only small harvests with no particular need for land cultivation.
However, even in lightly inhabited locations, outside forces such as stipulation for cattle and lumber in other parts of the world can result to deforestation that is not directly associated to the confined population. This has proven to be one of the leads to deforestation in huge forests such that of the Amazon. They produce not for their own sustenance, but for the neighboring needs of other growing countries.
As the population increases, the demand to clear more forests also increase; likewise, the need for indispensable consumption drives people towards nature since there are no other viable forms of human survival. It is only a basic instinct to man that he feeds himself for the issue of continued existence. However, there can be methods to preserve the forest and yet still benefit from it. Usually, greed and power result to the damaging effects of deforestation. If it is controlled in rate, then the possibility of not harming the nature is a likely thing to happen.
What Man Can Do
Clearly, human population and deforestation are inseparable terms. Where there is a call for food, the need for land also arises; and the demand of logging and agricultural cultivation happens widely all over the planet. The means of not harming the earth while still surviving is very attainable. In bringing this to reality, we need men who are honored and dignified enough to protect the earth and its resources. The humans need to safeguard their treasures which they can benefit from all the time.
Nature finds its way back at us when we know how to nurture and nourish it. What man can do is simply about what man is willing to do.
Humans have done a great damage to Earth. Forests have vanished, biological flora has been cleared to make way for rural lands, towns and metropolitan areas; and industrialization has polluted seas, rivers and the atmosphere.
Governments and conservationists alike have searched for ways to trim down the damage that humans have caused. Although turning back time would never be possible, alternative means to fix the troubles that the humans brought about can be very promising. Knowing the pros and cons of deforestation could give us the proper values to help nurture the earth rather than deplete it of its natural resources.
Could there really be benefits in deforestation? Well, this is one tricky thing to answer. Enumerating its cons is a whole lot simpler though; but to be fair, we will try to know the facts about deforestation, the advantages that the earth and humans can benefit from it, and the many disadvantages that we already know of.
Is There A Truth To Pros In Deforestation?
Although deforestation is not totally good, it has some promising advantages for the people. Its direct purposes have effects which significantly contribute to the atmosphere and to the environment. For example, the cutting of trees lets the carbon dioxide stay on them rather than emit it in the air such that in the case of dying and rotten tress.
Also, much of the vast part of the forest is left unused which can be turned to agricultural sites instead. This way, it will help feed millions of starving people. Some parts of the forest can also be turned into great infrastructures which will give rise to a booming economy, thus helping the people as well. Grazing animals are also one way that deforestation becomes useful. Truly, the advantages could be quite innumerable if summed up. However, weighing the good and harm that deforestation brings should always be considered.
The Countless Flaws Of Deforestation
If the advantages of deforestation are innumerable, its disadvantages come in a million ways. Deforestation introduces numerous community and environmental harms. The abrupt and irreversible consequences of worldwide deforestation are guaranteed to jeopardize the existence of Earth. The domino effect of deforestation includes: extinction of the biodiversity; the annihilation of the indigenous people (local inhabitants of the area); and a global change in climate. One wrong move can lead us all to an empty and meaningless world.
The consequence of deforestation is claimed to be a domino effect because one step to destroying nature will cause the deaths or extinction of many more species. After the death of animal and plant life is the partial loss of human life through poverty and pollution. If things pursue this way, human extinction could also be inevitable. The years are counting, and each day of that year trees are being felled and lands are being abolished of the natural wonders. If the world used to be a better and cleaner place to live in, then we can definitely start to relive those days now.
The only known way to halt this is to put a stop to every cause of deforestation. Regardless of the pros and cons of deforestation, we must only think of one thing, and that is reviving nature while it is still possible to be saved. While there is only an ample amount of time left, we would need it to rebuild nature and stop its total destruction.
Although it couldn't happen in just a click of time, the possibilities are way higher if all races participate in giving back life to the damaged forests. The only way to repay nature is by being kind to it.
Imagine what the world would be like in the coming years if the current rate of deforestation runs at 15 hectares annually? In a matter of 30 years, all the untouched areas of Earth can turn into a barren wasteland. In just a snap, all could possibly lead to the deaths of both species and humans alike. Thus, people should take action in order to bring deforestation to a stop.
All the causes of deforestation have high probabilities of getting solved. It only takes patience and discipline to finally make the problem come to an end. Although the road to total closure of deforestation is quite twisted and rough, there would certainly be ways to deal with it if all people in the world are willing to take part in solving the problem.
The Top Five Causes of Deforestation
Every part of the world has varying causes of deforestation; but the top five causes known to afflict all earth are: human made calamities, illegal logging, industrialization, conversion of forests to agricultural landmarks, and oil exploitation. All seem to be stoppable, but it is still a question why the roots of deforestation could never be cut.
Human made calamities such as fire outbreaks are very common sources of forest depletion. Easily but remarkably, the forests can become denuded in no time through huge flames which can either be accidentally done or purposefully started. Some farmers wipe off an entire crop through fire and replant again after a few days. Little do they know that these forest fires emit much carbon dioxide which is very toxic to the atmosphere. Perhaps more education can help them understand why such activities are not permitted.
Illegal logging is also another way that leads to the destruction of plant life. Since there is a need for woods to be used in building houses or in manufacturing furniture, the demand for more trees to be felled is also increased.
Urbanization occurs when vast forest areas are turned into cities. Although this helps the economy grow, we should be reminded of the degree of destruction it can bring. No matter how much we will be needing lands for bigger buildings, the necessity of having a cleaner earth should be given greater attention and concern first.
Due to the population increase, the demand of food supply is also amplified. Thus, the call for establishing wider agricultural areas came to rise. However, with this prospect in mind, forest areas have been compromised and have given in to the birth of newer and heavier obligations such that of feeding the entire population.
Lastly, projects of oil exploitation disturb our untouched resources. The human consumption of oil has grown ever since and thus resulted to the need for massive supply of oil. The search for oil has truly distorted the image of our unscathed land territories.
As you can see, all the causes of deforestation are merely for human consumption. If there is a decrease in demand for such products, there'll probably be a reduction in forest eradication too.
Can The Origins Of Deforestation Be Stopped?
Can deforestation be stopped? Well, the answer to this relies on the humans alone. No one but us can provide a response to this query. Alongside our answers are factors which can affect the rate of deforestation. Some of these factors are: the people involved in the green movement, the number of biological groups around the globe, and the participation of the government and its officials.
However, the outcomes primarily rely on your own responses and actions. You can always contribute to the green movement if you’re determined enough to solve the problems of deforestation. The world needs you and your contributions to finally put an end to this problem.
