Deforestation
By: Elisha Davis-Hamilton
Ahmed K.
What is Deforestation
• The term deforestation is used to describe the
process of removing trees in forest and
woodland and converting the land into other
use.
Example #1
Facts About deforestation
• Deforestation affects the water cycle. Trees absorb groundwater and
release the same into the atmosphere during transpiration. With the loss
of medium for this release, the climate automatically changes to a drier
one and reduction in not only the atmospheric moisture, but also the
water table.
• Deforestation reduces soil quality and results in soil erosion and flooding.
The land's capacity to hold ground water shrinks with the depleting forest
cover. Deforested areas witness surface runoff and increased sub-surface
flow.
• Forests support biodiversity and foster conservation of medicinal products
like honey, resin and herbs. Deforestation destroys genetic variations and
results in a permanent loss of various rare plant, animal and insect
species.
Example #2
Causes Of Deforestation
• Need to increase land for settlements and
urbanization.
• Timber, for industrial use and as fuel.
• Large-scale conversion into agricultural grounds,
corruption and unequal distribution of wealth.
• Cattle ranching.
• Experimentation with forestry.
Example #3
Effects of Deforestation
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Global warming.
Emission of greenhouse gases.
Global climate change.
Carbon stores in soil.
Reduced net oxygen levels.
Biosphere instability.
Example #4
Resolution
• Next time you buy a hamburger from a big fast food chain, think about
where the meat has come from.
• By cycling or walking instead of driving you will be reducing pollution and
carbon dioxide emissions and therefore helping to combat global
warming.
• Once you start looking you'll be surprised at just how many wood products
are made from rainforest trees such as mahogany or teak.
• Recycling papers and other reusable materials.
Sites
• greenliving.lovetoknow.com
• www.buzzle.com/.../causes-and-effects-ofdeforestation.html
• www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/deforestatio
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