Deforestation - Introduction

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.   

Deforestation is, as it sounds, the wide-scale destruction or clearing of Earth’s forests.  Forests cover approximately 30% of the Earth’s land surface, but that number decreases every year. The negative effects of deforestation are overwhelming. About 70% of Earth’s land animals make their homes in forests, and are incapable of living through the deforestation that destroys their habitats. Without trees to block the sun, forest soils, which are usually moist, dry out. The trees are also a vital role in the water cycle because they return water vapor into the atmosphere. In addition, trees can absorb greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Fewer trees mean more gases.  Despite the negative side-effects, deforestation still continues. Although it has been somewhat decreased, considering the world economy and desire for resources, deforestation will probably never be stopped. The most common reason for trees to be cut down is for pecuniary grounds, whether it is for paper, or wood to build homes and buildings.