Deforestation is the large-scale clearing of forests. Methods of deforestation range from cutting down trees to burning them to bulldozing them entirely. Such destruction most often results in the loss of habitats for a myriad of species of plants and animals. In addition, the loss of tree canopy to shield the soil from the sun will result in once fertile and moist soil becoming dry and barren. Approximately 30% of the Earth’s landmass is covered in forests, but patches nearly the size of Panama are removed each year to deforestation. Trees play a vital role in the natural carbon cycle, by converting carbon dioxide in the air to oxygen. The reduced number of trees means an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
No comments:
Post a Comment