Deforestation and Its Impact

Overview of Forests

• Forests cover approximately 30% of the planet.
• Essential for supporting life and maintaining ecosystems.

Current Threats

• Deforestation is occurring on a massive scale.
• If current rates continue, rainforests could vanish within 100 years.

Importance of Addressing Deforestation

Climate Change Contribution

• Forestry and agriculture account for 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Deforestation contributes to climate change in two main ways:
  1. Carbon Release: Trees release stored carbon when cut down.
  2. Absorption Loss: Fewer trees mean less absorption of greenhouse gases.
• Result: Increased greenhouse gases lead to accelerated global warming.

Biodiversity Loss

• Forests provide habitats for over 80% of terrestrial species.
• Deforestation diminishes biodiversity:
  • Estimates suggest 4,000 to 6,000 rainforest species go extinct annually.
• Over 2 billion people depend on forests for food and shelter.

Main Drivers of Deforestation

• Agriculture:
  • Major cause of deforestation.
  • Trees are cut for crops like soybeans, palm oil, and cocoa.
  • Livestock farming contributes to forest clearing.
• Logging:
  • Provides wood and paper products, leading to significant tree loss.
• Urban Sprawl:
  • Forests are cleared for urban development and housing.

Solutions and Efforts

• While the effects of deforestation are severe, they are not irreversible.
• Key efforts to mitigate deforestation include:
  • Sustainable management of forest resources.
  • Eliminating clear-cutting practices.
  • Planting new trees to replenish those cut down.
• Combating deforestation can help preserve remaining biodiversity and ecosystems.