The world is covered by over 10 billions acres of forests, that is over 30% of the entire planet! Humans are rapidly cutting down this land, in a process called deforestation. Deforestation means the cutting down of forests in order to make room for thinks like buildings, roads, and other man made structures. The average rate that these areas are being destroyed is about 15 million acres per year and has been happening since the early 1990’s. While the things that the land are being used for are very beneficial to the people, there are some consequences of destroying nature.
The Pros of Deforestation
Room To Grow
The largest reason that these forests are being cut down is to make room for expansions. With all of the free areas being created, things like improved road systems and economy stimulating businesses can be built.
We Make Use Of The Material
All of the trees that are cut down are used for lumber and other types of wood products. The other plants and materials are used to make paper good and many other necessities. The land itself may even be used for agricultural purposes.
Revenue
Deforestation creates a strong revenue source for governments. This helps to stimulate the economy, especially in developing countries.
The Cons of Deforestation
Carbon Dioxide Increase
Plants play a vital role in keeping the planet habitable. During the photosynthesis process plants filter carbon dioxide gases out of the air and release oxygen. You know, the stuff we need to breathe. Cutting all of these plants is having a very negative impact on our environment. Allowing green house gases to build up and even contributing to global warming.
Wildlife
When these forests are cut down it is not only the trees that are being lost. These forests are home to a countless amount of wildlife. Birds, insects, frogs, bears, and many other animals are losing their homes very rapidly. With no where for them to go, they are forced into areas that are not suitable for them. There has been a drastic decline in the amount of wildlife in certain areas that have been greatly affected by deforestation.
Flooding
Plants and trees play a vital role in absorbing excess ground water. They suck the extra moisture up through their roots and disperse it back into the atmosphere. Without all of this plant life, there is nothing to help regulate the excess water from rain and the soil will become over saturated. This will play vital role in flooding of the area, as well as surrounding areas.
Time Will Tell
At the rapid rate that forests are being hacked down every day, it is a very likely possibility that we will no longer have rain forests on our planet in as little as 100 years. Along with losing the rain forests we will also lose all of the species of plants and animals that are native to it.
In Conclusion
Deforestation, while it may be necessary, is having an extremely negative effect on our environment. It definitely has it’s place, but is it being overused? An area the size of 20 football fields is lost every single 20 minutes! Research about what you can do help slow down this destructive process.
