Deforestation-A speedy technique of Self Destruction
Hello, there
I hope you are enjoying the blog posts on Tequila Bubbles. I am thoroughly enjoying researching, writing, and posting them for you.
Like last month was dedicated to the source and origin of Fruits, our focus is on Forests this month. It’s only imperative to speak about them since they are not only scenic and beautiful. But more importantly, every species on the planet is dependent on them in some way or another.
Deforestation
The very first blog of the month speaks on Forests and Sustainability. However, despite its irreplaceability, the green stretches worldwide have an uncertain future. The primary reason behind the destruction of the mangroves, tropical rainforests, and many other such ancient inhabitants of the planet is the unsatiated human requirements. For example, razing of forests for creating cattle ranches, farmlands, mining, timber, or simply providing the pathway to reach the core area of the woods.
As it is evident, these are certain aspects of one of the most dreaded terms in the dictionary of Green Activists: DEFORESTATION.
I am sure you are all aware of the numerous protests and petitions doing the rounds. The primary purpose is to ensure that the world unites to fight climate change. And pandemics like humanity experienced in the year 2020.
But why has the world reached such a precarious state? And why do you think there is a question mark on the survival of this planet?
One of the foremost reasons is the reckless destruction of forests- the lungs of the Earth.
Fact: In 2019, the United Nations stated that the world’s forests store up to 296 gigatons of carbon. Link
Due to ‘slash and burn techniques, continuous felling of trees, forest fires, the world’s green cover is shrinking, increasing greenhouse gases getting stored in the atmosphere. These gases are increasing the temperature of the planet.
Forests are the Carbon Dioxide Sink of the planet, just like ponds are the ‘BOWLS’ for collecting rainwater. Thus, the dense cover prevents floods- because all the trees, shrubs, plants perform Photosynthesis. And during this process, a sizeable chunk of the carbon dioxide is absorbed.
Deforestation and Animal Farming
Cattle Ranch and Pig Sties:
Another reason for rampant greenery destruction is creating land for animal agriculture. In simple terms, cattle ranches and pig farms are created by clearing forests and turning them into pasture lands due to the overall increase in the consumption and demand for foods like beef and pork. A direct result of such actions is the release of gigantic amounts of Carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Production of certain foods like soy and palm oil requires clearing forest areas.
Side effects of deforestation are visible before us.
Apart from the visible shift in temperatures, floods have increased. Especially in coastal regions, the destruction of mangrove forests that prevent excess water from entering the mainland—overall degradation in the soil quality. Moreover, the woods are responsible for the moisture in the atmosphere. Unsustainable cutting of trees will reverse the method of retaining the moisture content. Also, with a reduction in seasonal rain, fertile lands will be infertile. And more land will be subject to desertification.
An important aspect that needs noting is that once a stretch of forest’s originality changes, altering and reversing is impossible. So, suppose forest land has become an area for farming. In that case, the farmer has to shift to another patch of land once he completely utilizes the farm for production. And the forest land becomes infertile forever.
Therefore it is vital to preserving forests and all fragile ecosystems. In my next blog, you will gain insight into the highly crucial concept – Afforestation!!!
Stick around and know about the unique gifts of nature.
