Introduction
Deforestation is the process where people cut down trees without the intention of planting new ones. By cutting down trees, the areas that were initially forest covers are turned into deserts.
Deforestation is a menace to the environment and it has been attributed to the climatic changes that are facing the world.
Causes of deforestation
- The first cause of deforestation is when there is a high population, people tend to look for lands where they can build houses and hence result to cutting down trees.
- Deforestation is also caused by the rise in industrialization. When there are many upcoming industries, people look for land to build these industries and hence find the lands in forested areas.
- Deforestation is also caused by logging activities. This involves people cutting down trees for timber or firewood. When such activities increase. Deforestation also occurs.
- Another cause of deforestation is expansion of infrastructure. The government may decide to cut down trees in forests to expand the transportation network.
- Deforestation is caused by mining activities. Most of the minerals are found in areas with forest covers and when mining the minerals, trees are cut down as a result.
- Land grabbing is also another factor causing deforestation. This is where people grab lands that are forest covers and use the land for their own benefits.
- Trees are also a source of raw materials for various products like paper and ingredients. They are hence cut down when people want to extract the raw materials.
- Agricultural expansion is also a cause of deforestation. This involves people cutting down trees to get more land for farming or for cattle ranching.
Effects of deforestation
- Cutting down trees can lead to soil erosion. Trees serve the purpose of holding soil in position and hence destruction leads to loose soil.
- Deforestation also leads to loss of various species of trees. Indigenous trees that take a lot of time to mature become extinct when they are cut down.
- Deforestation leads to destruction of the natural habitats of various animals. Animals that depend on trees for survival may die or migrate as a result of deforestation.
- Deforestation leads to increased levels of carbon (IV) oxide in the air and less oxygen. This may lead to decreased quality of life.
- Cutting down trees without planting new ones also leads to This is the condition where a lot of land is left bare and dry.
- Deforestation also leads to the displacement of native communities. These are people who lived in forests who are forced to move after trees are cut down.
- Cutting down trees leads to low levels of rainfall since trees have been proven to attract rainfall.
Solutions to deforestation
- The first solution to deforestation is to raise public awareness on the effects of deforestation. By educating masses on the negative effects of deforestation, they may avoid cutting down trees.
- Deforestation can also be solved by encouraging reafforestation. This is where people are encouraged to plant more trees after cutting down trees.
- This menace can also be solved through the creation of government laws. This is where the government comes up with laws that ban the cutting down of trees in certain areas.
- Deforestation can also be solved through creating alternative sources of fuel that are affordable. This will reduce logging activities in the forest areas.
- The government can solve the issue of deforestation by setting aside restricted areas to act as forest covers. Such areas will be restricted against any illegal tree cutting.
Conclusion
Deforestation has been the major cause of poor climatic conditions being witnessed all around the world. Finding ways to curb this act will ensure that the world is saved from global warming and desertification. Saving our forest covers will also ensure that our environment is conserved as well.