Deforestation
By: Brenda Wilmoth Lerner and K. Lee LernerPublished in Detroit in 2009 from Opposing Viewpoints In Context.
Picture: This graphic shows the
deforestation that takes place so often to build stores and houses. This is
causing many issues such as climate change and loss of habitats for animals.
Summary: Deforestation has been occurring for over 8,000
years and is now mainly happening in tropical areas. For deforestation to be
monitored it requires remote sensing done with satellites but this does not
give accurate results. The majority of deforestation takes place when clearing
for agricultural purposes. When burning all of the trees and shrubbery it
leaves all of the nutrients from the plants and makes the soil rich for the
farmer. Tropical regions are recently being demolished so crops can be exported
to richer countries. When deforestation takes place it reduces the amount of
biodiversity in an ecosystem. Flooding and droughts are more of a problem
because by removing trees the soil erodes too.
Opinion/Reflection: I was surprised to see all of the
negative effects of deforestation. I was aware of the obvious effect of losing
the habitats of many animals but never really thought much about the other
severe impacts it has. The benefits of cutting trees are more widely known such
as paper production and firewood. I think that deforestation should be
minimized but that is highly unlikely so another solution would be replacing
the deforestation site with new wood growth as soon as possible. I think that
there needs to be stricter regulations on the amount of wood allowed to be cut
down and the amount that is replaced in that area.
Questions:
1. Do you think that deforestation is a
problem? Why or why not?
2. What suggestions do you have to reduce the
amount of deforestation around the world?
3. Do you think that deforestation is
contributing to global warming?
Opinion/Reflection:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kelly. Trees should be allowed to be cut, but there does need to be regulations on amount being cut down, and the replacement of them. If we do not replace these trees being cut down, then we will lose our source of paper and firewood very quickly. Also, our wildlife needs to have their habitats protected, and deforestation is destroying them. By replacing the trees, the habitats will be preserved for many species of birds, insects, and other animals who live in the treetops.
Answering a Question:
3. Slightly, because the machines that are used to cut down trees are burning some sort of fuel which is releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.
Opinion/Reflection: Deforestation is a very serious threat to our environment. I find it shocking that people are taking no consideration towards the future of the trees. Trees will begin to dwindle soon, and lead to serious problems in energy and air quality. Of course, we also run the risk of endangering and possibly eradicating many helpless animals that rely on the forests. We must begin to limit our deforestation, or risk heading down a reckless path riddled with consequences. Taking a proactive approach to replanting the trees is a key factor in the recovery process. Consistently planting a much larger number of trees than we are cutting down is crucial to keeping our environment stable.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: Laws and regulations should be in place in order to limit excessive deforestation. We should be carefully studying the region planned to be utilized for its trees/land. I believe it would be a wise idea to disperse any projects involving cutting down trees. This way we can thin out our environmental impact and cause less of an issue.