What is it? 

Deforestation is the act of clearing a wide area of trees or forests. Forests cover 31% of the land area on our planet. Furthermore, they provide people with jobs as well by purifying the air and water.

Forests absorb a lot of the carbon dioxide in the air and without them, humans would not exist. Likewise, many animals rely on forests for food and shelter. 

What are the causes?

• wildfires
• Farming for oil, soy and palm oil

The main cause of deforestation is agriculture. It is estimated that 18.7 million acres of forest are being destroyed annually, this is equivalent to 27 football fields every minute.

Deforestation is a concern for tropical rainforests as they are home to much of the world’s biodiversity. The amazon is commonly referred to as the earth’s lungs. The amazon spreads over 5.5 million square kilometres. Most importantly, farming and plantations have consequently contributed to the destruction of the amazon. Approximately 20%.

Impact

Forests absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Due to this deforestation is responsible for 15% of greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, greenhouse gas emissions contribute to rising temperatures, changes in weather and extremes in weather.

As a result, this affects numerous animal species;

• leopards
• elephants
• panda, chimps
• gorilla
• rhinos
• tigers
• tree kangaroo.

How to help

Above all, we need to do our bit to help. First of all supporting charities that help compact deforestation like the WWF here are somethings you can do to help.

• plant a tree
• Use less paper
• Reduce meat consumption
• Raise awareness
• Buy sustainable wood products
• Alternative fuel like coffee logs