Running Head: DEFORESTATION
Effects of Deforestation
First Name Last Name
Date
DEFORESTATION 2
Deforestation has become a major issue in the modern age. The introduction of new
technologies and productions has taken massive space for trees and forests. Statistics indicate that
as population increases so do the demand of more tree to be cut down for accommodation of
people. This cutting down of trees and clearing of forests is referred to as deforestation. The
continuous cutting down of the trees and clearing of forests is creating numerous negative effects
on the environment, climate, atmosphere, and biodiversity (Trumbore, Brando and Hartmann,
2015). Main effects include greenhouse gas emission and soil erosion.
Although deforestation has a lot of economic benefits it establishes a portal to numerous
environmental problems (Chakravarty et al., 2012). Deforestation leads to greenhouse gas
emission. Trees are known to release oxygen and water and absorb carbon dioxide, thus cutting
down trees leads to a deficit of carbon dioxide absorption hence the emission of greenhouse gas.
People can participate in reducing this gas emission by driving electric or hybrid cars, using light-
emitting diode bulbs hence minimizing energy demands and recycling and consuming locally-
produced foods to reduce noxious gases. Other important ways of reducing greenhouse gas
emission include planting more trees to help in absorption of carbon dioxide and using less heat
and AC.
Soil erosion is another effect of deforestation. Soil erosion occurs when forests are cleared
and rain removes the soil surfaces which are deposited into rivers. It further brings other damages
such as irrigation infrastructure and hydroelectric structure. When soil erosion occurs, the levels
of water in rivers increases leading to floods (De la Paix et al., 2013). It is therefore essential to
restore degraded ecosystems as well as protect others in order to ensure there is sufficient soil
erosion protection in all-natural ecosystems. Another best way of preventing soil erosion is
DEFORESTATION 3
planting vegetation with deep roots that help in holding soil in the ground. This is especially to
areas vulnerable to soil erosion such as streams, hillsides, and rivers (Cunningham et al., 2015).
In conclusion, it is clear that there is a tremendous need for preventing deforestation. If this
is not stopped now, it might lead to the verge of more destruction. Some of the major effects of
deforestation include soil erosion and greenhouse emission. The government and individuals as
well must make collective efforts to help in curbing this issue. Organizations like World Wildlife
Fund can work to maintain soil resources, forests and other natural ecosystems in approaches that
satisfy the necessities of its local people.
References
Chakravarty, S., Ghosh, S. K., Suresh, C. P., Dey, A. N., & Shukla, G. (2012). Deforestation:
causes, effects, and control strategies. Global perspectives on sustainable forest
management. IntechOpen.
Cunningham, S. C., Mac Nally, R., Baker, P. J., Cavagnaro, T. R., Beringer, J., Thomson, J. R., &
Thompson, R. M. (2015). Balancing the environmental benefits of reforestation in
agricultural regions. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 17(4),
301-317.
De la Paix, M. J., Lanhai, L., Xi, C., Ahmed, S., & Varenyam, A. (2013). Soil degradation and
altered flood risk as a consequence of deforestation. Land Degradation &
Development, 24(5), 478-485.
DEFORESTATION 4
Trumbore, S., Brando, P., & Hartmann, H. (2015). Forest health and global change. Science,
349(6250), 814-818.
