As the human population increases, so does the demand: more housing, more furniture, more paper, more water, more food, among many other things are needed. To satisfy it, it has been chosen for many years to deforest forests, one of the lungs of the Earth. Forests not only absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen into the atmosphere, which, as we know, is the gas we need to breathe and, therefore, to live, but they also play a crucial role in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.
The relationship between deforestation and global warming
Deforestation contributes to worsening global warming. But, how? Two studies published in the scientific journal Science reveal that cutting down trees increases the surface temperature more than previously believed. The first one, from the Institute for the Environment and Sustainability of the European Commission's Joint Research Center (JRC), describes how deforestation affects the flow of energy and water between the land and the atmosphere, as is already happening in the regions tropical
In the case of the second, prepared by researcher Kim Naudts of the Laboratory of Climate and Environmental Sciences at the Pierre Simon Laplace Institute (France) and his team, it is shown that although tree cover in Europe is increasing, the fact that only certain species are planted is causing a counterproductive cascade effect. Since 2010, 85% of European forests have been managed by humans, but these humans have a preference for those with greater commercial value, such as pines and beeches. Broadleaf forests have been reduced by 436.000 km2 since 1850.
The replacement of broadleaf forests with coniferous forests has led to changes in evapotranspiration and albedo, the amount of solar energy reflected back into outer space. These changes are worsening global warming. According to the authors, Climate frameworks should take into account soil management as well as its coverage so that predictions are more accurate.
Importance of forests in the ecosystem
Without plants the human being has no chance, so It is important that the necessary measures be taken to avoid ending up living on a nearly desert planet. Forests provide more than just timber; they are crucial habitat for a variety of species, regulate the water cycle, and act as a carbon sink, helping to mitigate climate change.
Impact of deforestation on biodiversity
Habitat loss due to deforestation is one of the most serious factors threatening global biodiversity. Every year, thousands of plant and animal species are driven to the brink of extinction due to the loss of their natural habitat. Deforestation reduces the ability of ecosystems to recover from disasters, contributing to a cycle of environmental deterioration.
For example, in Central Africa, the loss of species such as gorillas and chimpanzees reduces their capacity for forest recovery, as these species contribute to seed sowing and the regeneration of forest topsoil by expelling their feces. The loss of these important pollinators and seed dispersers negatively impacts new plant growth and ecosystem health.
Deforestation and climate change
Deforestation not only contributes to climate change by releasing stored CO2, but also by decreasing forests' ability to absorb more carbon. Indeed, forests act as carbon sinks, storing large amounts of CO2 throughout their lifetime. When they are cut down, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect.
Clearing tropical forests, which are some of the most carbon-rich ecosystems on the planet, releases more than 5.600 billion tons of greenhouse gases, which is more than four times the emissions from the global air and shipping industries. Deforestation, especially in places like the Amazon, accounts for a significant amount of global CO2 emissions.
Actions to combat deforestation
Halting deforestation is one of the most effective actions we can take to combat climate change. Conserving forest ecosystems and restoring degraded ones are essential to maintaining carbon balance in the atmosphere. Below are some strategies to address this problem:
- Reforestation: Reforestation involves planting trees in areas where they have been cut down. This action helps restore habitats and effectively captures CO2.
- Protection of existing forests: It is essential to implement policies that protect forests from illegal logging and agricultural expansion.
- Promote sustainable agricultural practices: Promote techniques that reduce the need to clear forests for agriculture, such as agroforestry.
- Education and awareness: Educate communities about the importance of forests and how their preservation impacts the climate and quality of life.
Photographs of deforestation and its impact
It is crucial that we all become aware of the importance of forests. The implementation of laws like the 2022 European Union law banning the import of products associated with deforestation is a positive step. The protection of the rights of Indigenous communities and their role in forest management must be prioritized.
In addition to legislative actions, each individual can make a difference by choosing certifiable products and supporting initiatives that promote sustainability. Active restoration of forest ecosystems can include the cultivation of native species and the removal of invasive species.
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