Solutions to Deforestation

"I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues" -The Lorax, Dr. Seuss Around the world, forests are being logged for timber and paper pulp and cleared to grow mono-crops like palm oil and soy while they are deteriorating from the impacts of global warming. Deforestation is a major driver of global warming, responsible for up to 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions–more than all the cars, trucks, planes, boats and trains in the world combined. Deforestation doesn’t just threaten our climate, it threatens the livelihoods of 1.6 billion people that rely on forests for food and economic activity. Ending deforestation and protecting forests will not only preserve biodiversity and defend the rights of forest communities, it is also one of the quickest and cost effective ways of curbing global warming. Drivers of deforestation vary from region to region-below are examples of human activity driving the destruction of the world’s natural forests. 1. 2. 3. Wield your consumer power!

tree farm Deforestation: A major threat to the destruction of our planet | Earth Reform By KARUN BADWAL Published April 21, 2012 Deforestation – a process by which forest areas are removed and the land is utilized for other uses including agriculture, industrialization, resources, or settlements – has stark implications on our environment in the near future. Despite the rising awareness of the destructive threat to forests and its implications for the planet, the rich abundance of resources in the forest and the short-term monetary benefit of acquiring these resources have created corruption that has pervaded government institutions, corporations, and local communities. Some of the reasons for the practice of deforestation include extracting lumber for commercial materials, farming and grazing cattle for today’s growing population, extracting charcoal as fuel for cooking and heating, extracting oil, mining, and building roads and settlements. Unfortunately, the damage does not end there. Corruption continues to stifle African governments and their need for self-sustenance.

Rainforest Concern - What can we do to stop deforestation? There are lots of other things you can do that will make a difference to the world’s rainforests, as well as your local environment. Below are listed a few of them: click on a heading to find out more. You will be surprised how your choices in a local shop or supermarket can affect forests half way across the world! And remember that it is just as important to look after your local wildlife and environment as it is to save rainforests. Next time you buy a hamburger from a big fast food chain, think about where the meat has come from... Travelling By cycling or walking instead of driving you will be reducing pollution and carbon dioxide emissions and therefore helping to combat global warming... Wood and timber - are they rainforest friendly? Once you start looking you'll be surprised at just how many wood products are made from rainforest trees such as mahogany or teak... Recycling Click here to find out more about recycling... Sponsor your own acre or more of rainforest!

Environmental Conservation - Abstract - Global Effects of Tropical Deforestation: Towards an Integrated Perspective Main Papers Global Effects of Tropical Deforestation: Towards an Integrated Perspective Allison G. Cooka1, Anthony C. Janetosa2 and W. a1 AScl Corporation, 1365 Beverly Road, McLean, Virginia 22101, USA a2 Manager, Global Change Research Program, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA a3 Technology, Planning, and Analysis Unit, Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, 901 D Street SW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20024-2115, USA. Deforestation of the tropical moist forests is taking place at an alarming pace; some experts believe that the entire ecobiome will be virtually destroyed within the next ten years.

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