{"id":14127,"date":"2024-04-15T21:12:23","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T21:12:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.revolutionnaire.co\/be\/?p=14127"},"modified":"2024-04-28T18:10:19","modified_gmt":"2024-04-28T18:10:19","slug":"the-big-chop-causes-and-effects-of-deforestation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.revolutionnaire.co\/be\/the-big-chop-causes-and-effects-of-deforestation\/","title":{"rendered":"The Big Chop \u2013 Causes and Effects of Deforestation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We all cherish having a place to call home, somewhere we can lay our heads down and feel safe. Sadly, many plants and animals cannot enjoy that same feeling, as forests, which cover around 30% of the world\u2019s land area<\/a>, are being cleared away due to deforestation and logging. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, deforestation is \u201cthe cutting down of trees in a large area or the destruction of forests by people.\u201d At the same time, logging is \u201cthe activity of cutting down trees to use their wood.\u201d The phrase that stands out here is the destruction of forests by people<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the human, benefits obtained from the forests, such as paper, construction and furniture material, and energy, forests are also home to 80% of the world\u2019s plants, animals, and microorganisms, provide the world with oxygen and account for 75% of freshwater resources worldwide (Chris Simeons<\/a>). However, as human beings, we have been reckless and irresponsible with the part of nature that has given so much to us. \u201cThe most common pressures causing deforestation and severe forest degradation are agriculture, unsustainable forest management, mining, infrastructure projects, and increased fire incidence and intensity.\u201d (World Wildlife Fund<\/a>) This had adverse effects which ripple not only through the animal kingdom but also to humans. It has driven some species like jaguars and black spider monkeys to the brink of extinction<\/a>threatened the way of life of indigenous people<\/a>, affected soil quality<\/a> through erosion, and contributed significantly to climate change<\/a> by increasing greenhouse gases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The outlook is bleak, but there is still time to do what we can to change that trajectory. In addition to steps like planting more trees, reducing the amount of paper we use, recycling, and reducing our use of palm oil, we can partner with conservation organizations close to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recap:<\/p>\n\n\n\n