Deforestation can occur due to natural causes or cause of the activities of the human being. A fire, without going any further, that produces deforestation can have its origin in man or be caused by nature, such as by falling a ray into a tree. Currently, the rhythm of deforestation is too high. Forests are ecosystems that recover very slowly. Some varieties of species of flora and, indirectly, the fauna that lives there, are in danger if the forest disappears.
Therefore, in ecology, we talk about the deforestation and its causesconsequences and possible solutions. Pay attention because we show below What are the causes of deforestation or logging of trees and many more details that should be known on this subject.
What is deforestation
Can Define deforestation as the process of stripping a forest terrain of its plants and trees, that is to say its vegetation. Forests fulfill valuable functions in nature and lose them is very harmful to the environment and also contributes to climate change, since trees kidnap carbon while growing. Only in some very specific cases this process can be beneficial for the planet.
Thus, deforestation occurs when there is a Mass or uncontrolled tree felling. This produces great changes in the ecosystem, as we will see later.
Among the main causes of deforestation We can find some by the hand of the human being and others for natural phenomena. We can only avoid, solve and control the first and improving the current status of the planet we can help rebalance the second.
Causes of deforestation caused by man
The Human Being Activities They are the main cause of deforestation and, also, is the most serious cause when it is avoidable. Among the main causes of deforestation produced by the human being stand out:
The felling of indiscriminate or poorly managed trees
Millions of hectares are talked or burned to extract wood and other products or to convert forests into farmland. Mostly, these activities are carried out in developing countries, more dependent on wood and without adequate control over land use. It is not about living without wood or paperless, much less without food, but forests have to be managed sustainably. Hence the importance of acquiring products with the sustainable management certificate.
Cattle raising
Sometimes, farmers sweep thousands of hectares of jungle, as in Brazil and other countries, so that cattle feed for one or two years. Then, the ground is exhausted and have to move to another place.
Land urbanization
The expansion of urban nuclei is another of the Causes of Tree Floor or deforestation caused by man. More and more people live in cities while rural areas suffer depopulation. It is built unfortunately and for this you need space that is obtained by destroying forests and jungles.
Natural causes of deforestation
¿What causes deforestation Apart from human activities? Well, the truth is that there are some Causes of natural origin deforestation:
Forest fires
In summer, forest fires end thousands of hectares of forest. In addition, with climate change these forest fires are increasingly frequent and destructive. Australia and the United States are suffering, in recent years, terrible forest fires, in the vast majority of cases, caused by the negligence of some people. But just as trees are caused by man, fires are not always caused by man. Anyway, even if they are natural, the damage to the environment that causes the fires is enormous, apart from the deforestation itself.
In the following ecology article, you can see the dire consequences of a forest fire.
Pests and diseases in forests
Tree pests and diseases is another natural causes that cause deforestation. An extreme case is the one that is happening in the forests of North America, where a beetle is massacrating millions of trees.
Consequences of deforestation
Now that we have already commented on what causes the loss of trees, let’s talk about Consequences of deforestation They can be more or less serious and, in some situations, they can be disastrous.
Water cycle alteration
Trees attract rains and forests are a vital part in the water cycle. Therefore, by losing forest masses, water behavior in the area is modified, as it moves to other parts with vegetation.
Desertification
The serious, really, is indiscriminate or without control, apart from the fires caused, since without a subsequent reforestation And without proper management of forests, this area will become a desertified area.
In this other post of ecology, we talk about desertification: definition, causes and consequences.
Loss of habitat, biodiversity and soil
Deforestation leads to damage ecosystemsto one loss of biodiversity and aridity in the field. In addition, carbon dioxide (CO2) is avoided, so it contributes to climate change. The deforested regions tend to soil erosion and, finally, become non -productive lands. Which leads to not growing any type of vegetation, does not serve as food zone and protection for animals or for us to cultivate food.
Loss of great forest masses
Some places that suffer from this problem, because one part is controlled but another is not very large, are areas of Latin America, rich in forests and jungles, such as the Amazon area. In this other article we show you the deforestation of the Amazon, its causes and consequences. Also, the Deforestation in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Peru It is very significant, because in several areas of these places there is massive logging for various reasons. We also recommend reading this other article about deforestation in Argentina.
Global climate modification
When the forests and jungles are lost, as we have indicated, the water cycle and temperatures in the region are modified and also globally. Therefore, more actions are added that accelerate global warming and climate change.
How to avoid deforestation
Apart from knowing the Causes of Tree Floor And the possible consequences of this one, we must think of deforestation solutions and in ways to avoid it. The first big step to Avoid deforestationas in any field of vital importance for the planet, is to reach a great global agreement between The governments of all the world. Preventive and also reparative measures, of the problem must be established. But in the personal sphere, certain actions can also be carried out. You cannot avoid personal responsibility in this problem. Certain gestures, however insignificant they may seem, can help to stop the problem. For example, the Paper recycling. Lower paper consumption by the population would force producing companies not to need so much raw material.
Sustainable Forest Management Certificates
On the other hand, it is essential Keep clean forests and green areas. In this way, fires are prevented by crystals, soda cans and other waste. Finally, we must remain informed about the bad practices carried out by companies to boycott, if necessary, their products. The large surfaces of forests and jungles depend on responsible consumption. Greenpeace and other environmental organizations publish reports on the matter. In addition, consume Certified Forest Management Products (like those who drive FSC or PEFC) help to keep forests in good condition.
Deforestation images
To finish and to create a more real idea about this activity and the big problem that is carried out in a uncontrolled way, we leave a deforestation image gallery related to variety of causes:
If you want to read more articles similar to Causes of deforestationwe recommend that you enter our category of other environment.
