Deforestation is the removal of stand of trees from the land, which would later be converted to a non-forest use (i.e, cutting down of trees without planting others to replace them). Deforestation could lead to:
- Environmental degradation, which is the deterioration of the environment via exhaustion of natural resources (air, water and soil). It is a major threat on the environment, because it could reduce the capacity of the environment to meet social and ecological needs.
- Deforestation is a major cause of global warming and loss of biodiversity.
- Loss of ecological services provided by tropical rainforests and related ecosystems.
- Forest loss decreases the availability of renewable resources such timber, medicinal plants, nuts and fruits.
- It also leads to soil erosion.
- Water cycle is also affected by deforestation.
- Climate change.
- Tropical deforestation is responsible for about 20 – 25 percent of world greenhouse gas emissions.
- Destruction of animal habitats.
- Destroying trees that serve as windbreakers.
- Undisturbed forests usually have very low rate of soil loss
- Pollution (air, water and soil pollution).
- Overpopulation leads to degradation of our environment.
- Ozone layer depletion.
- Loss of cropland area for farming.
Prevention of Deforestation
- Awareness campaign on the importance of reforestation and the hazard deforestation imposes on our environment should be carried out.
- For each tree that is cut, three to four trees should be planted to replace it.
- Water catchment areas should be left alone, to avoid flood.
- Reducing emissions.
- Farming will reduce the effect of deforestation.
- Managing of forest resource.
- Planting of trees such as timbers etc.
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