Main Threats of Deforestation

Recent incidences of forest fires have reignited a debate on what the world is doing about its forest cover. Amazon, the world's largest natural forest straddling three continents, was recently engulfed in flames. A few weeks later, Australia's forests went up in flames. In all of these major incidences, accusations have been traded between governments and agencies mandated to protect natural habitats. However, whether governments indeed have a hand in these calamities, especially in the Amazon to clear forest land for mining or they are purely acts of arsons, is unknown.

With continued threats to the planet's forest cover, many questions arise. First off, what is your government doing about? Secondly, what are the main threats of deforestation? Do we blame ourselves for not doing enough? In this post, we explore this issue in detail. Meanwhile, if you are a student who needs help with writing a scholarly essay on this issue, consider seeking help from unemployed professors. They will not only craft the best paper but also put their in-depth knowledge to use when investing in the issue.

Now, let's go through threats to deforestation as follows:

Thirst for fuelwood

One of the main threats of deforestation is using wood for fuel. Whether it is burning charcoal or cutting trees for winter fireplaces, fuelwood is a major contributor to deforestation.  The issue is particularly a major concern in developing countries where wood remains a source of fuel in millions of homes. Burning charcoal has been cited as a contributor to global warming. With global warming comes the issue of weather conditions that do not favor reforestation.  

Encroachment into forests for agriculture

Clearing and burning forests is an issue that is now widely debated around the world as a contributor to deforestation. We may want to blame increasing populations but that is only a trigger. With strict measures aimed at protecting forest cover, encroachment into natural habitats would be curbed. However, with governments doing little to protect planet earth from losing its forest cover due to a clear and burn culture, we can only expect the situation to get worse.

Fragmentation of forest land due to logging

We still need wood to survive in many aspects of life. In countries that experience extremely low temperatures during winter, wood is necessary for keeping warm. However, excessive logging contributes to a decline in wildlife. Think about it this way: When loggers construct roads/access ways through forests, it soon becomes a practice that threatens both animal and plant life. In particular, excess logging has been cited as a major contributor to declining forest lands in countries when wood remains a vital source of fuel and timber.

Clearing forest for cattle raising

In continents like South America where cattle raising are a popular economic activity, deforestation is getting out control. Take, for example, a country like Costa Rica where companies from the United States have bought land for raising cattle. It is a practice that consequently leads to a decline in forest cover, thereby exposing Mother Earth to harsher climatic conditions attributed to global warming. Raising livestock animals and crop farming, together contribute to Agribusiness, a practice that is slowly ridding the world of its maiden natural forests like the Amazon.

Mining

While mining is a major economic activity in many countries around the world, mining fields have become a threat to forest cover. Take, for example, extraction of coal, a practice that has rendered large swathes of land useless. Amazon forest is the worst hit by mining activities, something that contributes to a decline of a place referred to as the 'lungs of the earth.' You should also note that mining also contributes to environmental pollution, something that indirectly contributes to deforestation.

Rapid and uncontrolled urbanization

Urbanization is becoming increasingly worrisome because it contributes to deforestation. From construction of roads, commercial buildings, real estate business to industries, countries are increasingly engaging in the commercialization of lands there were once vital sources of rain and oxygen.

Final Thoughts

Threats to forest cover vary from country to country. However, the latest incidences of fires consuming large sections of natural habits raise eyebrows. Whether it is due to global warming or acts of arsons, there is a need to urgently protect forests and plant more trees. It is the only way of making the world a better place for everyone and the future generation.