Deforestation

By: Elisha Davis-HamiltonAhmed K.

What is Deforestation

• The term deforestation is used to describe the process of removing trees in forest and woodland and converting the land into other use.

Example #1

Facts About deforestation• Deforestation affects the water cycle. Trees absorb groundwater and

release the same into the atmosphere during transpiration. With the loss of medium for this release, the climate automatically changes to a drier one and reduction in not only the atmospheric moisture, but also the water table.

• Deforestation reduces soil quality and results in soil erosion and flooding. The land's capacity to hold ground water shrinks with the depleting forest cover. Deforested areas witness surface runoff and increased sub-surface flow.

• Forests support biodiversity and foster conservation of medicinal products like honey, resin and herbs. Deforestation destroys genetic variations and results in a permanent loss of various rare plant, animal and insect species.

Example #2

Causes Of Deforestation

• Need to increase land for settlements and urbanization.

• Timber, for industrial use and as fuel.• Large-scale conversion into agricultural grounds,

corruption and unequal distribution of wealth.• Cattle ranching.• Experimentation with forestry.

Example #3

Effects of Deforestation

• Global warming.• Emission of greenhouse gases.• Global climate change.• Carbon stores in soil.• Reduced net oxygen levels.• Biosphere instability.

Example #4

Resolution• Next time you buy a hamburger from a big fast food chain, think about

where the meat has come from.• By cycling or walking instead of driving you will be reducing pollution and

carbon dioxide emissions and therefore helping to combat global warming.

• 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 papers and other reusable materials.

Sites

• greenliving.lovetoknow.com • www.buzzle.com/.../causes-and-effects-of-deforestation.html

• www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/deforestation.htm l