Tuesday 2 August 2011

deforestation and ways to minimize the problem

There have been so many discussions on the effects of deforestation in our environment. These effects range from alarming to catastrophic. We have read newspaper headlines that show the wreckage that natural disasters have done. Flashfloods have not only damaged millions of properties all over the globe but it has also collected lives. Landslides have done the same. These two are the results of nature's balance that has been disturbed. They are the effects of deforestation.

Deforestation is the act of converting patches of forests to become areas of residence or industry. More and more businessmen are pushing through forests to obtain more land. Environment is sacrificed in exchange for profit. And this is a highly disturbing fact.
As an individual or as a part of the global community, we can do something to help prevent deforestation.Maybe we can not fight off illegal loggers with your bear hands but with some basic ways, we can make a difference,no matter how small.


The basic ways are  If deforestation is a negative event, then a positive event should take place to counter its effects reforestation. Plant trees and begin doing this in your yard. Trees give off oxygen that is essential for human existence and they, in turn, capture the carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale. Trees also help in containing water in its roots. With this simple act, we are able to prevent soil erosion, which is the root cause of landslides.

Beside that,  if we are a farmer (or if you know someone who works as a farmer), try to rotate your crops. Instead of using a different portion of land each year, why not use the same portion with different crops? This practice also helps in maintaining the fertility of the soil. With the rotation of crops, not only is there a variety on the harvest each year, there is also the possibility of keeping that portion of land for as long as we can.

In the other hand, Cut down only the mature trees. Do not kill baby trees. And for every tree that is lost, plant another one as a replacement.Moreover,Use recycled items such as books or pad paper, toilet paper, even shopping bags. If we can, do not waste any of these products so that no new raw material would be required to replace them.  

Support the laws or programs that were made to protect the forests and to stop any form of deforestation. Programs such as the Tropical Forestry Action Plan have done a major difference on the way deforestation is looked at today. This program spearheaded the discussion of tropical deforestation.

In a nutshell, it is imperative to know that there is no such thing as a small, insignificant act when it comes to defeating deforestation. No matter how small your deed maybe, the important thing there is 'every act can make a difference'. Deforestation can be prevented and we can be an active force in achieving that.






slide show green environment