Today's Leaders Forum Praise 2019: Deforestation Effects on Ecosystems

Deforestation is the clearing of forests to obtain lumber and provide space for either agricultural zones or urban development. As a result of massive global urbanization and agricultural development, deforestation is a major factor contributing to climate change. Deforestation alters not only nearby ecosystems -- communities of interacting organisms and their environments -- but also the atmosphere on a global level, with devastating results.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the number of species in a given ecosystem. Since different species eat different foods and live in different types of habitats, a diverse set of vegetation can enable a greater variety of animals to live in an area. When forests are cleared to make space for large plantations growing one type of crop such as sugarcane or soy, wildlife diversity tends to plummet as species are displaced.

 

However, if crops are introduced on a smaller scale and don't displace native species, they can actually increase diversity since they can act as a habitat for birds and herbivores.

Water Chemistry

Deforestation also affects nearby rivers, streams, and other water sources as nutrients from the soil are removed through leaching, which happens when water (e.g., from rain) removes soluble nutrients from the soil and carries them elsewhere. Water sources in deforested areas were shown to have higher nitrate levels, lower dissolved oxygen levels, and somewhat higher temperatures (from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius on average) than in forested areas. Water temperatures increase because the trees that provide cover from sunlight are cut down. All of these factors disrupt a river ecosystem because the species that live in the stream have adapted to conditions before the deforestation and may be negatively impacted by the sudden changes.

The Atmosphere

Deforestation affects not only a forest and its immediate surroundings but also the atmosphere, which in turn spreads across the biosphere -- all the planet's ecosystems and everything in them. According to a 2010 congressional study, 17 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions come from deforestation, from both burning trees and the resulting loss of photosynthesis, which removes carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere. As trees are cut down and burnt, the carbon they contain is released into the atmosphere. Although the increased levels of carbon dioxide may stimulate forest growth, more data is needed to measure the long-term impact.

Soil Impact

The soil that provides nutrients for vegetation in ecosystems is also affected by deforestation. Soil in deforested areas is exposed to more sunlight, which increases the soil temperature and oxidizes the carbon in the soil to carbon dioxide. 

Some of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere comes from dead vegetation that decomposes in the ground. In heavily deforested areas, soil erosion and nutrient runoff are common after a rainfall. Soil erosion tends to be greater in drier, more mountainous areas, where there is less vegetation to prevent the movement of soil and to absorb the nutrients.

Spreading Disease

One possible indirect consequence of deforestation is the spread of diseases, including those originating from birds, such as avian flu. Climate change has already affected migration patterns, and infected birds may move to deforested areas that are more suitable habitats for them, spreading their diseases to the local bird populations. Diseases that are transmitted through insects, such as malaria and Lyme disease, are more common in open spaces with more sunlight exposure. These diseases infect not only birds and vertebrates found in these ecosystems, but also why humans that are exposed to these insects, either in the wild or in nearby urban areas.

How Does Deforestation Affect the Weather?

Deforestation, the depletion of forests and other wild flora in woodlands, has significant effects on the weather. These range from local distortions to contributions to global climate change. Deforestation removes the ability of the forest to sequester carbon, absorb sunlight, process water and block the wind.

Carbon Dioxide

All plant life absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen as part of natural metabolic processes. Forests are no exception, and the trees and other plant life in a forest can take in and store carbon dioxide, a process called carbon sequestration.

 

Deforestation both releases carbon dioxide from the plants that are cut down and removes the ability of the forest to sequester carbon. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that forests offset 16 percent of American carbon emissions.

Sunlight Reflection

The Earth's surface reflects and absorbs different proportions of the sunlight it receives, depending on the material. Forests absorb more sunlight than do plains. Sunlight that is not absorbed is reflected back into the atmosphere.

 

Deforestation causes land to reflect more sunlight, altering the air currents above and increasing the variance of local temperatures, which become more sensitive to changes in sunlight. In the higher latitudes, deforestation may actually lead to surface cooling, as removing forests exposes the highly reflective snow beneath to the sun.

Evapotranspiration Cycles

Plant life draws water from water in the soil.

 

This water travels up the roots and stem to the leaves, where it evaporates through the stoma. This process is called evapotranspiration -- plants transmit groundwater into the atmosphere, bringing moisture to the local environment. Deforestation ends this process, leaving the groundwater locked in the soil and cutting off the source of air moisture. The net result is that the local environment becomes dryer.

Wind Effects

Forests act as barriers that slow down wind movements, due to the friction between the moving air and the forest's multiple layers of plant life. At the same time, the wind passing through a forest carries away the warm, moist air to other parts of the globe. Deforestation removes the ability of forests to act as a barrier for the wind, leading to higher local wind speeds and cutting off the circulation of warmth and moisture.

 

What is deforestation?

Deforestation is when humans remove or clear large areas of forest lands and related ecosystems for non-forest use. These include clearing for farming purposes, ranching and urban use. In these cases, trees are never re-planted.

Forest tips

About 2,000 trees per minute are cut down in the rainforests. Rather shockingly, 36 million acres of natural forest are lost each year. This is worrying and very serious.

Since the industrial age, about half of world's original forests have been destroyed and millions of animals and living things have been endangered. 

Despite the improvements in education, information and general awareness of the importance of forests, deforestation has not reduced much, and there are still many more communities and individuals who still destroy forest lands for personal gains.

Cutting down trees for farming purposes

Why do humans clear forest lands?

Trees are cut down (deforestation) for many reasons including

forest pointTo be used, sold or exported as timber, wood or fuel (charcoal). This is called logging. 

Forest point

To be used for farming purposes (grazing fields for livestock, or large-scale farming activities)

forest pointTo make room for human settlement and urbanization (these include making space for shelter, industries, and roads)

forest pointTo make room for mining. (More on deforestation here)

Deforestation countries

In all the reasons above, the trees cut are usually very well developed trees that have taken many years to mature. When they are cut, they break down more younger trees as they fall to the ground, leaving that area heavily degraded. 

Why are forests importantForest information for children

Forest degradation and fragmentation

Forest degradation is different from deforestation.

 Degradation is used to mean the destruction or reduction in quality of specific aspects of forests. Prolonged degradation can wipe out a forest. 

Degradation can result in a decrease in tree cover, changes in their structure or a reduction in the number of species that can be found there. If acid rain destroys trees in a vast area, it can be called forest degradation.

Forest degradation is the changes within the forest which negatively affect the structure or function of the stand or site, and thereby lower the capacity to supply products and/or services. FAO (2001) – Global Forest Resources Assessment 2000

Forest degradation can be caused by factors such as

Forest point

Forest fires: 

In many forests such as in boreal and dry tropical forests, fires are usually expected from time to time. They may be caused by humans, accidents or natural factors. Forests fires wipe out many thousands of acres each year all over the world. This has effects on biodiversity and the economy as well.

Forest point

Climate Change: 

Extreme climates can also cause degradation. Prolonged droughts and dry conditions reduce the tree cover and dry out water bodies running through them. They force many animals to migrate and reduce the quality of forests ecosystems.

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Pests and diseases: 

Pest or disease outbreak can also destroy the vegetative cover in forest lands.

Degraded forests can often be restored. The Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration (GPFLR, undated) suggested that more than one billion hectares of deforested and degraded forest land worldwide are suitable and available for restoration.

What is forest fragmentation?

fragmented forest patches

Degradation can also result in forest fragmentation, and fragmentation can also result in degradation.

 

This is when a large forest ends up divided into many smaller patches. This is particularly not healthy for larger forest animals, as they thrive well in large areas rather than pieces of forests.

 

Effects of deforestation

Looking at the importance of forests and trees in the previous pages, you can deduce the massive effects of deforestation and tree-cutting activities. 

Let us see a few below:

Forest point

Soil erosion destruction

Soils (and the nutrients in them) are exposed to the sun’s heat. Soil moisture is dried up, nutrients evaporate and bacteria that help break down organic matter are affected. Eventually, rain washes down the soil surfaces and erosion takes place. Soils never get their full potential back.

Forest point

Water Cycle

When forests are destroyed, the atmosphere, water bodies and the water table are all affected. Trees absorb and retain water in their roots. A large part of the water that circulates in the ecosystem of rainforests remains inside the plants. Some of this moisture is transpired into the atmosphere. When this process is broken, the atmosphere and water bodies begin to dry out. The watershed potential is compromised and less water will run through the rivers. Smaller lakes and streams that take water from these larger water bodies dry up.

Forest point

Loss of Biodiversity

Many wonderful species of plants and animals have been lost, and many others remain endangered. More than 80% of the world's species remain in the Tropical Rainforest. It is estimated that about 50 to 100 species of animals are being lost each day as a result of destruction of their habitats, and that is a tragedy. 

Deforestation effects

Many beautiful creatures, both plants and animals have vanished from the face of the earth.

Forest point

Climate Change

Plants absorb Carbon Dioxide CO2 (a greenhouse gas) from the atmosphere and uses it to produce food (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that make up trees). 

In return, it gives off Oxygen. Destroying the forests mean CO2 will remain in the atmosphere and in addition, destroyed vegetation will give off more CO2 stored in them as they decompose. This will alter the climate of that region. Cool climates may get a lot hotter and hot places may get a lot cooler. 

 

What can I do to help preserve our forests?

Forests and biodiversity Sometimes, we are overwhelmed by the extent of damage humans have caused, and we are not sure if an individual can make any impact. 

Yes, you can, there are millions of people just like you, who are learning about the issue and taking little steps to help. Additionally, many governments, organizations, and societies are making great strides in helping reducing deforestation and encouraging forest plantations. 

But there is still a lot to do.

Due to the extent and nature of forest destruction, efforts to stop deforestation and preserve them are best achieved at government and organization levels.

 

This means that laws, rules, and regulations from countries can help to enforce the preservation of forests. Laws on farming, timber, and wood, as well as land use must be encouraged and enforced.

Here are a few things you can also do to help.

Forest point

Make a conscious effort to share information with others (friends at school and family members) on deforestation and its' effects. Some of your friends may laugh at you and say it is silly to think that you can solve problems like this. But that is OK, things work better when responsible people don’t give up. Stand up for what you believe in.

Forest point

Join organizations, forest-preservation societies and pressure groups that aim to help preserve the rest of our natural resources. When more people work together, the impact is greater.

Forest point

Reduce the use of artificial items, recycle more and re-use items. Wood, paper, plastics and many other things we use every day at home can be linked to natural resources being destroyed. This means that if we all recycle more, there will be less dependence on the environment (and trees).

 

It also means that companies and governments will import less raw-materials from the forest regions of the world.

There is a fun way to remember the most important points in forest preservation called TREES which means...

Teach others about the importance of the environment and how they can help save rainforests.

Restore damaged ecosystems by planting trees on land where forests have been cut down.

Encourage people to live in a way that doesn't hurt the environment.

Establish parks to protect rainforests and wildlife.

Support companies that operate in ways that minimize damage to the environment.

 

Introduction to forest preservation

Environmental activists consider forests as one of the top 5 natural resources on earth. This is rightly so, and today, we shall look at how wonderful our forests are to us, and why we should immediately stop its' destruction.

There is more to forests than just a massive collection of trees. It is a natural, complex ecosystem, made up of a wide variety of trees, that support a massive range of life forms. 

Apart from trees, forests also include the soils that support the trees, the water bodies that run through them and even the atmosphere (air) around them. Forests of the world are a natural wonder that humans have sadly taken for granted.

Forests come in many sizes and forms. For example, the piece of land with huge trees and many animals, birds and water bodies running through it in a part of Kenya can be called a forest. In the same way, the large belt of thick, evergreen trees running from Peru to Brazil (called the Amazon Rain Forest) is also a forest. A good example is the Amazon Rain Forest. 

It is estimated that two-thirds of the world's forest are currently distributed among 10 countries:

Forests of the world for children

(REF: IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature)

Forests are hugely important for life on earth. This is because it serves as an ecosystem, and sustains life for millions of animals, birds and animals that live in the rivers and streams running through these forests. It also does a lot of good to the atmosphere in climate control, as well as supplying oxygen for human sustenance.

NOTES 

Forest tips

The term we use to describe the variety of living things, animals and plants, their living environments and genes is called  Biodiversity. It is believed that the Amazon Forest has the widest biodiversity. 

. The layers of a typical rain forest

Now, we shall look at the basic structure (layers) of a typical forest.

Basic structure of a rain forest.

Let's take the Rainforest as an example...

 There are 4 major layers including:

Forest pointThe Emergent Layer (A):

This layer is very sunny because it is the very top and only the tallest trees reach this level. It is also known as the overstory.

Animals found in this layer include birds, butterflies, small monkeys, bats, snakes and bugs. 

Forest point

The Canopy Layer (B):

This is the thickest layer and much of the rain is stopped by the thick foliage. Most trees in the forest grow to this height. There are plants that grow in the canopy layer whose roots don't reach the ground. 

These are called air plants. 

Animals found in this layer include birds, monkeys, frogs, and sloths, lizards, snakes and many insects. 

Forest point

The Understory (C):

This layer has many vines, dense vegetation but not much sunlight as it is all blocked by the canopy.

Animals found in this layer include birds, butterflies, frogs and snakes. 

Forest point

The Forest Floor (D):

This layer is dark, damp, full of many dead leaves, twigs and dead plants. It is usually clear of vegetation, with little or no winds and rains reaching there. 

The forest floor is dark due to the trees above stopping the sunlight from entering the forest. It is estimated that only 2% of the sunlight actually reaches the floor. 

Animals found in this layer include jaguars in South America, gorillas, leopards in Africa, tapirs, tigers and elephants in Asia.

 

Types of Forests

Tropical rainforests

forest point 

Hugely dense, lush forest with canopies preventing sunlight from getting to the floor of the forest.

Forest point

All year high temperatures and abundant rainfall.

forest point located near the equator. 

Forest point 

A vital storehouse of biodiversity, sustaining millions of different animals, birds, algae and fish species.

Sub-tropical forests

forest pointLocated at the south and north of the tropical forests. 

Forest point Trees here are adapted to resist the summer drought.

Mediterranean forests 

forest point Located at the south of the temperate regions around the coasts of the Mediterranean, California, Chile and Western Australia. 

Forest point

The growing season is short HAND is that almost all trees are evergreen, but mixed with hardwood and softwood.

Temperate forests 

forest point Located at Eastern North America, Northeastern Asia, and western and eastern Europe. 

FOrest point

Mix of deciduous and coniferous evergreen trees. 

Forest point

Usually, the broad-leaved hardwood trees shed leaves annually. 

Forest point 

There are well-defined seasons with a distinct winter and sufficient rainfall.

Coniferous forests 

forest point Located in the cold, windy regions around the poles. 

Forest point 

They come in both hardwoods and conifers. 

Forest point 

The hardwoods are deciduous.

forest pointThe conifers are evergreen and structurally adapted to withstand the long drought-like conditions of the long winters.

Montane forests 

forest pointKnown as cloud forests because they receive most of their precipitation from the mist or fog that comes up from the lowlands. 

forest pointUsually found in high-elevation tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. 

Forest pointPlants and animals in these forests are adapted to withstanding the cold, wet conditions and intense sunlight.

forest pointTrees are mainly conifers.

Plantation forests

forest pointHas around 7% of global forest cover (140 million hectares). 

forest pointProduces more sustainable timber and fibre than natural forests.

Forest pointPlantations produce around 40% of industrial wood. 

forest pointPlantation forests are on the increase.

Did you know...

forest tipsSymbiotic relationships between species: 

Many species in the rainforest work together.

 

In a symbiotic relationship, two different species help and benefit from each other. For example, some plants are homes for ants, and the ants protect other insects and from eating the plant's leaves.

Protect forestsForest information for childre

Importance of Forests

Forests and biodiversity are key to all life forms.

 The richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change. 

Below are some more importance of forests:

Forest point Watershed

Forests serve as a watershed. (A watershed: The area of land that contributes water to a stream or river.

Watersheds come in all sizes—some are millions of square miles, while others are just a few acres.) This is because almost all water ultimately comes from rivers and lakes and from forest-derived water tables. Some rivers running through forests are also kept cool and from drying out. 

"The Amazon is by far the largest watershed and largest river system in the world occupying over 6 million square kilometers. Over two-thirds of all the fresh water found on Earth is in the Amazon Basin's rivers, streams, and tributaries." - RainTree

Forests and biodiversity.

Forest pointHabitat and Ecosystems

Forests serve as a home (habitat) to millions of animals. Think of the many types of reptiles (snakes and lizards) wild animals, butterflies and insects, birds and tree-top animals as well as all those that live in the forest streams and rivers. 

Animals form part of the food chain in the forests.

 

All these different animals and plants are called biodiversity, and the interaction with one another and with their physical environment is what we call an ecosystem. Healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters such as floods and wildfires.

Forest point Economic benefits

Forests are of immense economic importance to us. For example, plantation forests provide humans with timber and wood, which is exported and used in all parts of the world.

 

They also provide tourism income to inhabitants (people living in or close to forests) when people visit to see the best of nature.

Economic importance of forests.

Forest pointClimate Control

Climate control and atmosphere purification are key for human existence. Trees and soils help regulate atmospheric temperatures through a process called evapotranspiration. This helps to stabilize the climate. 

Additionally, they enrich the atmosphere by absorbing bad gases (example CO2 and other greenhouse gases) and producing oxygen. Trees also help to remove air pollutants.

Forest tips Did you know... 

In many developing countries more than 80% of total energy

(fuel-wood and charcoal) consumed by people and industry is derived from forests. Trade in timber and other forest products is estimated at almost 330 billion US Dollars /year. 

Its' value multiplies as it is processed into a range of products used globally every day. 

Uses of genetic diversity within forests enable the development of new medicines; progress in health care and science explain forestry Forest information for children. 

Deforestation

Home Benefits of Trees What is Deforestation? 

Forms of Deforestation Alternatives to Clear Cutting Environmental Impacts Economy Locations Stats How Can You Help?

Bibliography

How Does Deforestation Affect the Economy? 

Positive Impacts on the Economy

Tropical forests provide a lot of important renewable resources that contribute to national economic growth, but at the same time, cutting down mass amounts of trees to access these resources severely harm the environment and the ecosystems where the deforestation is occurring. Deforestation can positively impact the economy in many ways because of the resources it produces. 

Negative Impacts on the Economy

Tourism is many of the rainforest countries main source of economic income. 

Deforestation is drastically cutting down the numbers of tourist because no one wants to see polluted rivers, tree stumps, wasteland, and dead animals. So not only is deforestation ruining the habitat of many plants and animals, but it is also ruining the economy. 

Why is Deforestation Such a Difficult Problem to Solve?

       

Deforestation can ruin the economy, but it can also help it, so this is why countries let it happen. 

Although deforestation reduces the amount of tourists visiting forests, countries still do it because there are so many resources that forests provide that can help the economy. Timber is a huge part of the economy in manufacturing it for many different uses.

 

Also, many forests have resources such as palm oil, which is used in so much of our everyday lives such as in a lot of food products. 

All of the resources forests can provide are why countries continue to let deforestation occur even though it can hurt the economy in other ways. 

        

Deforestation is such a hard problem to solve because it does hurt the environment and the economy, but at the same time it helps the economy in a lot of ways. 

This is why there are many alternatives to deforestation that try and limit the loss of biodiversity and tourism, but also try to get enough resources from forests to keep a stable economy.