Trees are crucial to our lives, and we must keep them safe (Opinion)
Deforestation is increasing and we are failing to take the required measures for the general health of our ecosystem
These trees are not only a wonderful sight, but they are also necessary to sustain life and evolution to future generations
Have you ever imagined what it might be like to live in a world with- out trees? Close your eyes and visualize a deserted Earth. There would be no more paper, and everyone would have to rely on technology — that is, if anyone remained.
Trees are essential. They provide oxygen, store carbon, maintain the soil, and support the world’s animals as the largest plants on the Earth. They also supply us with resources we need for tools and shelter.
The world’s tree population is three trillion. Forests are home to 80% of all terrestrial animals and plants, and without forests, the majority of these will perish. Trees also reduce erosion, help keep the ground moist and cool, as well as drive the water cycle. Every year, one large tree may release 150 tonnes of water into the atmosphere, which subsequently falls back on the forest as rain.
According to research by the Rainforest Action Network, around 3.5 billion to 7 billion trees are chopped each year. Half of the world’s rain- forests have been destroyed in a century; at this rate, rainforests may vanish entirely in our lifetime.
We must take action to ensure the survival of forests, their flora and animals, and the humanity who rely on them.
Toilet paper and paper goods take a severe toll on our worldwide woods; however, there are far more detrimental behaviors that are destroying the Earth’s forests.
The loss of tropical rainforests is even more serious than the degradation of forests. If present rates of deforestation continue, the world’s rainforests will be gone in 100 years, creating unknown consequences on global climate and eliminating the majority of plant and animal species.
The loss of rainforests is caused not just by deforestation, but also by logging, which is the second leading source of deforestation. Rainforests are being chopped down to make space for huge plantations, resulting in unsustainable agriculture and livestock ranching. Hundreds of square feet of rainforest in Central and South America have been burned to make space for cattle rearing. Mining destroys rainforests in order to get access to underground resources.
Oil firms have a negative impact on rainforests because enormous highways are frequently built through woods in order to make pipelines and extract oil. Poverty is a leading cause as well.
Dams are another factor. Companies invest money in building dams to generate energy, but dams built in rainforest areas frequently have a limited life because the submerged forest eventually rots, making the reservoir water acidic.
The leading cause of deforestation is poverty, areas with more poverty have less productivity and less ability to reduce unproductive land. The primary solution would be to decrease poverty by empowering children to continue education and support environmental programs.
Trees throughout the world are unable to speak up for themselves. We must take action to conserve our rainforests. To avoid deforestation, a variety of countermeasures are available. For one, we should conduct afforestation (the planting of trees in the forest) to address the loss of fallen trees.
People should grow plants in their houses, try using paper products less wastefully at home and work, buy certified wood items, and buy products from companies committed to decreasing deforestation.
Finally, the government should better impose and regulate penalties on those contributing to deforestation.
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Ana Carrillo is a Senior. She enjoys hanging out with friends, outdoor activities and random adventures. She is on the tennis team this year. She is looking forward to communicating current events occurring in and outside of school.