What is meant by deforestation?
Deforestation is the process of cutting down an area of existing rainforest completely. It’s done for more lands, space for agriculture and extraction…
Describe the affects of deforestation
- Forest fire:
Can be done intentionally by humans or naturally. It is started deliberately by humans for carelessness, such as unattended campfire, burning debris, cigarettes etc. It is started naturally from natural causes, such as lightning, extreme heat or dryness.. - Drought
When trees are being cut down, the evaporation levels are reduced which dries up the existing moisture of the air, eventually disrupting the water cycle and causing drought.
Changes to weather patterns
In deforested areas, it’s less likely for the water in the air to be returned to the soil. Thus, this causes the inability of new crops and plants growing, also rivers drying up, causing famine.
Soil eroison and flood
The soils of the deforested areas get washed away by heavy rains for the lack of trees. Also, the trees reduce the amount of rainfall to prevent floods.
How can you use the rainforests sustainably?
By Logging and Replanting.
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Explain Logging or rather “selective logging”
Selective Logging is the type of sustainable activity done in rainforests. It is a process by which only the trees making more profit are cut down, where often older trees are cut down so the younger ones can grow.
What is ecotourism?
It’s the tourism of small groups of people coming to visit the rainforests, while ensuring there’s no littering, pollution or damage. By this, people learn about sustainable behaviour.
What are international agreements?
Agreements between countries which aim to end and reverse deforestation.
How is Replanting sustainable?
Replanting the deforested areas of the rainforests can help repair the damage already done and fight climate change. Also, the trees grow back and help regulate the climate overall.
Positive: This creates jobs for people who had worked in deforestation.
Negative: Replanting trees does not undo the damage of ecosystem, and also sometimes it doesn’t work as the trees are planted on the soils washed away by heavy rains.
How is Selective Logging sustainable?
Selective logging is sustainable as it JUST cuts the older trees, so that the younger ones can grow up again and do the same job.
Positives: Only the bigger trees are cut down
Negatives: The deforestation of these older trees often damage the forest around them.
