Deforestation and its effects

Forests being cleared at a faster rate

Modern technology allows forests to be cleared at a faster rate than they can be replaced and this is worsened by poor forest management which leads to loss of habitat and other wildlife. About 10% of the world's species of trees are in danger of extinction as a result of deforestation and this leads to loss of many valuable plants.

Conservation

Prevent tree felling Controlled production of timber or wood-related materials Have laws enforced for forest conservation Reforestation :planting trees on deforested land Afforestation : planting trees on new land

Consequences of deforestatio n.

Soil erosion Flooding Desertification Climatic changes

Soil erosion

Soil erosion is caused by The lack of leafy canopy of the trees to protect the soil from the impact of falling rain and the lack of roots of the trees to hold the soil and water so the most fertile topsoil gets washed away during a heavy rain.

Desertification

With TOP soil eroded, plant life cannot be supported and land becomes barren which leads to loss of habitat and extinction of many valuable species.

Climatic changes

Without transpiration in trees, area would become dry and warm as annual rainfall decreases. Deforestation upsets balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide. When trees are deforested via burning, more carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere and there are less trees to take in the carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis and the carbon dioxide would trap heat which causes the increase in temperature which leads to global warming.

Reasons of deforestation

Due to increasing demands of timber and land.

Flooding

Eroded soil may be deposited in rivers and streams, blocking the flow of water. The water levels in rivers rise rapidly as rainwater is not retained by soil so water flows inland causing floods to occur.

Deforestation

The clearing of forests.