Deforestation

By Farah Lucas
What is deforestation?
Deforestation is the removal of a forest or stand of
trees where the land is thereafter converted to a non-
forest use.
Why is it happening?
Deforestation occurs for multiple reasons: trees are cut
down to be used for building or sold as fuel
(sometimes in the form of charcoal or timber), while
cleared land is used as pasture for livestock and
plantation.
What are the effects?
 Deforestation is a contributor to global warming, and is
often cited as one of the major causes of the enhanced
greenhouse effect. Tropical deforestation is responsible for
approximately 20% of world greenhouse gas emissions.
 Deforestation results in decline in biodiversity, and on a
natural global scale is known to cause the extinction of
many species. The removal or destruction of areas of forest
cover has resulted in a degraded environment with
reduced biodiversity.
Can we do something to stop it?
Transferring rights over land from public domain to its
indigenous inhabitants is argued to be a cost effective
strategy to conserve forests. This includes the
protection of such rights entitled in existing laws, such
as India’s Forest Rights Act.
Introducing harsh laws can be a very effective method
too. Most of the illegal loggers can’t afford to pay high
fines for cutting down trees, so most of them give up
and find alternative money income.
Protect the Earth’s lungs!
Source: Wikipedia