[Chemistry Class Notes] How Does Deforestation Affect the Environment Pdf for Exam

Deforestation is the process of clearing or removal and destroying greenery through natural or human intervention in a specific area. Deforestation in India and other areas may occur where there is a massive presence of plant life. Removal or depletion of trees results in climatic changes, the disappearance of wildlife, soil erosion, and greenhouse gases emissions, etc. 

The loss of trees adversely affects every biological life in all possible ways. With time, these become more prominent to humankind, as well as other species inhabiting this planet. If you want to learn about the causes and effects of deforestation, the below pointers will give you a clear insight.

Deforestation means cutting or clearing trees or forests on a high scale over a large area for the facilitation of human activities. Deforestation disturbs the ecosystem and the ecological balance in nature. It leads to unpredictable changes in the weather and climate patterns across the world. It is a severe environmental concern since it can result in the loss of biodiversity—disturbances in the water cycle, damage in natural habitats, and soil erosion. Deforestation is also a significant contribution to global warming and climate change. 

Trees can be cut to provide land for cultivation and housing. People cut trees to provide land for houses, buildings, roads, and factories fuel. However, to meet the constantly increasing demand for wood and timber overgrazing by animals, cutting trees for mining activities, the adverse effects of deforestation are reduction in the forest area, reduction in the population of wild animals, imbalance in environmental conditions, soil erosion and loss of soil fertility increase in atmospheric temperature fall in groundwater level. 

Effects of Deforestation 

Reduction in greenery does not just increase pollution levels but also hinders the ecological balance on Earth. Read below about some of the effects of deforestation.

• Loss of trees results in the extinction of wildlife. It also results in the loss of their habitat. Around 70 percent of the Earth’s wildlife resides in the forests, and loss of their surroundings results in their disappearance. 

• Also, it results in temperature imbalances in nature, as these trees act as a canopy regulating temperature, and a shelter for animals and birds. Therefore, deforestation in India and other portions of the Earth results in drastic temperature changes.

• Trees help to maintain water cycle balance in nature through evaporation, precipitation, and condensation of water particles. In areas lacking greenery, there is less rainfall and an increase in soil erosion. It is because less water returns to the soil, causing dryness, and retarded plant growth.

• As you know, trees play a vital role in the generation of oxygen in the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is a greenhouse gas that increases if trees are cut down at a massive rate. It hampers the balance of the environment resulting in global warming.

• Among the other effects of deforestation, soil erosion is the most common one. The plant’s roots actively engage in maintaining the topsoil and retaining moisture in it. Without forest life, the erosion of soil becomes evident, and it further hampers the water cycle causing unexpected climatic imbalances.

• You may know forests are home to many dwellers along with plants and animals. The indigenous people residing in such forest lands, depend on these resources to run their livelihood. Destruction of trees causes a threat to the people residing over there.

Due to industrialization and construction projects, a large section of forests gets cleared every year. Due to such activities, not only do animals lose their habitat, but there is also a potential threat to the indigenous people who depend on these forests. 

Deforestation has put the entire ecosystem at risk. However, governments have taken multiple measures to stop the removal of plant life. Similarly, you should also spread awareness to discourage deforestation.

Ways to Restore Forests

Deforestation also occurs due to natural causes like forest fires, floods, climate change, and drought. We should try to stop deforestation, here are some ways to restore deforestation: planting new plants, growing more and more plants are helpful and useful for many ages, and it is one of the least we can do to help save our planet, even if it is by little. 

Stop printing unnecessarily and try to avoid printing files. You really need to prefer buying recycled goods and products; a recycling icon on the product means it was made from renewable resources. Cattle breeding requires millions of tons of food to plant origin. Do not use firewood for a fireplace to make sure you feel comfortable and luxurious. 

Do not harm the whole environment. Avoid buying any products and goods produced by companies that are responsible for deforestation. Cooperate with NGOs that fight against deforestation. Population control is another indirect method to save trees and forest trees to ensure a greener environment. You all must join the efforts in reducing deforestation.