Deforestation
By: Haley Walsh
Introduction
The use of timber is in our everyday lives, from reading the newspaper, switching on a light or using paper. The need for wood is constant and deforestation is a by product of the increasing demand. Deforestation is the "permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses."(Bradford, 2015). The land could be cleared for multiple purposes such as farming, establishments of towns, urbanization, resorts for tourism, timber for production, etc. There are different methods to clearing trees such as burning and clear cutting. There are many effects and damages caused by deforestation to the ecosystem. Deforestation is a major contributing factor to climate change. The shortage of trees results in higher levels of carbon dioxide because with more factories and cars releasing carbon dioxide there are not enough trees to balance the greenhouse gases to the oxygen levels. Deforestation also affects habitats which has a domino effect on species, the water cycle and water pollution, soil erosion and humans' life expectancy. With deforestation on the rise and the threat to the remaining forests, governments are pressured to reserve portions of forests. The increase of reserves leads to the increase of illegal deforestation. The awareness of the issue have led to more policies regarding to ban deforestation. Deforestation is an inevitable process because it is a well established industry integrated in the economy. However the effects on the environment and society and the amount of deforestation can be altered. With the help of sociologists and their theories and perspectives can assist with brainstorming alternatives to deforestation and the understanding of deforestation.
Causes
Agricultural Expansion
Logging
Urbanization
Mining
Environmental Effects
Soil Erosion
Loss of Biodiversity
70% of earth's animals and plants live in forests and many cannot survive due to the loss of habitat caused by deforestation. Many animals and plants go extinct because of deforestation. Deforestation challenges animals food source and home therefore the animals must migrate to another location in search of food and shelter. If the animals cannot find food, shelter or a water source the animals will die.
Climate Change
Social Impacts
Deforestation and Indigenous Communities
Illegal Deforestation
Is Society Shooting Itself in the Foot?
Theories
Modernization Theory
Dependency Theory
Neo-Malthusian Theory
Neo-Malthusian theory describes the certain point where natural resources will not be able to support or sustain the over population and western society. Although more trees can be planted, some trees or plants will become extinct and thus takes away from available materials. For example, in the rainforest there are still many plants that have yet to be discovered that could be a cure for an illness. However with deforestation and the increase demand of trees, these plants are threatened by extinction. The Afromosia found in central Africa is an endangered species due to the high demand. The wood can be found on many high end furniture. Afromosia trees are valuable wood stock that many loggers target because they can sell for hundreds of dollars per cubic meter. If loggers continue to cut these trees they will become extinct.
Ways to Combat Desforestation
REDD+
"Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) is an effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development." (Un-REDD Programme, n.d.). The funds goes towards ways to conserve or sustain the use of forests. The funds are raised through carbon trading. REDD+ policies aim towards reducing emissions from deforestation, forest degradation and to sustain forests. REDD+ gives indigenous communities an opportunity to develop in a sustainable way.
Corporations
Corporations need to become more mindful of the forest and the importance of the forest, from medicine to the protection of the soil and habitats. Corporations need to keep with the demand and not go over what is needed. Corporations could also put some profits into planting trees and improving the soil. They do the damage and have an obligation to contribute to maintaining the forests.
Illegal Deforestation Must Be Addressed
Close monitoring need to be enforced to prevent illegal trade and deforestation. Governments must enforce policies and hand out permits to ensure deforestation is for the right cause and the amount of deforestation is limited. Governments can open up more national reserves, however when they do they need to keep a close eye on the land. Therefore perhaps fencing can enclose the area so vehicles and equipment cannot get past the barriers. The FSC, Forest Stewardship Council, can combat illegal deforestation because it is a certification program that encourages environmentally appropriate forestry. Therefore when purchasing furniture consumers can look for the sticker that reads FSC.
Quality of Life
According to the Oxford Dictionary, quality of life is the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group. "A tool developed by the United Nations to measure and rank countries' levels of social and economic development based on four criteria: Life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, expected years of schooling and gross national income per capita." (Human Development Index (HDI) Definition, 2011). There was a study conducted on the correlation of population growth, human development, and deforestation in biodiversity hotspots. The results revealed when there was a high population and the quality of life was low, there was a high rate of deforestation. However when the quality of life was high, the rate of deforestation was low despite the population growth. Based on HDI studies, two causes of deforestation are policies and human-development constraints. The less policies to protect conservation may cause more deforestation and lack of development may lead to more deforestation in order to keep up with demands.
Bibliography
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