Deforestation causes and environmental impacts

Environmental Science

Deforestation

Deforestation is occurring around the world today, and it is permanently killing forests and woodlands in many countries, but especially in the tropical areas of the world. Logging is a major contributor to deforestation, (Stock and Rochen), but cattle ranching, agriculture, and building can all lead to deforestation, as well. In addition, most of the deforestation occurs in the tropics, and the tropics have very poor soil for agriculture, when the forest is cleared for agriculture, the crops quickly deplete the soils nutrients, and more forest must soon be cleared to continue the growth. Thus, it is a never-ending cycle of clearing and deforestation. Acid rain can also lead to deforestation, and climate change could lead to more deforestation in other areas of the globe, as well.

Deforestation affects the globe in many ways. When a tropical forest is lost, the other plants and animals that depend on the forest for their survival are displaced, and this can lead to extinction. In addition, trees take in carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen. Without this carbon cycle, more CO2 remains in the air, which can lead to more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, a major cause of climate change. Deforestation can also lead to soil erosion, and more silt in rivers, streams, and behind dams throughout the deforested area. Biological diversity, including many unique species and ecosystems are lost, as well.