Just what are the consequences of deforestation?
Before the industrialization of most of the advanced countries, Earth housed a tree density of approximately 5.9 billion hectares. After years have passed, Earth's tree density has declined to 4 billion hectares. This number declines at a rate of 5.2 million hectares every year. [1] As a result, climates have changed, wildlife species have been driven to extinction, and indigenous tribes have been driven away. Deforestation is a terrible process that damages the Earth and leaves only destruction its wake.
Trees are responsible for a very large portion of the Earth's carbon stock. Carbon stock refers to the total storage of carbon through various natural or artificial sources. If the carbon stock of the world decreases, then there is more carbon dioxide to 'roam the air'. Now as most people may know, carbon dioxide is the leading greenhouse gas that effects Earth's atmosphere. What fewer may know, is that the felling of trees in the masses not only decreases the world's carbon stock, but actually releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere! As a result, mass deforestation is easily linked to adverse climate changes in forest habitats around the world. [7]
What about all the forest critters?
According to Mortan, author of a peer reviewed article on deforestation, a forest may be classified as, “a complex ecological system that shelters many species of plants and animals, many of which are threatened with extinction” as a result of deforestation. [7] The loss of trees in the masses means the loss of habitats for local species, and in many cases their lives. Since many species of animals rely on the existence of other species, a chain reaction can lead to the extinction of several wildlife species. Somewhere between 200 and 2000 species in Earth's biodiversity goes extinct each year as a result of deforestation and other harmful processes caused by man. [10]
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How does it effect humans?
When trees are cut down, the roots left behind wither and eventually die. As many people know, roots keep a tree held firmly to the ground. But roots also strengthen the soil and prevents its erosion. Soil erosion is a known cause of deforestation, causing difficulties with agriculture in third world countries. Third world countries are typically the center of deforestation density, averaging at 4 times greater amounts then in first world countries. [3] According to an article on the link between deforestation and populations, deforestation’s impacts on rural populations continue to increase as time passes. [2]