Ways to Reduce the Impact of Deforestation

By: Angelica Rojas

Deforestation is the man-made act of clearing forests and trees in order to make use of clear land, or timber for fuel. Forests are an important natural resource that has been useful for human and animal survival for centuries. However, in modern times, the natural resource has been excessively taken advantage of to the point where it is negatively affecting the environment and atmosphere. Deforestation plays a consequential role in the detrimental effects of climate change. Carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere as a result of large amounts of trees being removed. Scientists have made it clear that humans are at risk of extinction, if trees are exponentially removed without afforestation (Vang, 1). Deforestation has been kept in human practices because it is a source for employment, construction, and income for the economy. Although deforestation may not be completely eradicated, there are various ways that people and communities can work together to prevent future detriments caused by removing trees. The easiest step to fight against deforestation is to simply plant a tree. Planting a tree is considered a lifelong investment in the environment as it combats climate change (Rinkesh, 24). You can start by planting one or even multiple trees at a time to make up for some of the lost trees.

More methods to combat deforestation include using less paper, recycling

paper and cardboard, and using recycled products. Two million trees are cut every year in America, just to supply the paper demand. A way to reduce paper use is by using technology for jotting down notes, typing papers or study points, and emailing. Recycling is a great way to avoid future trees from being cut down for more supply of paper.

“If just 10 percent of all the paper used by the average American in one year were recycled, 25 million trees would be saved. That makes 367 million pounds of carbon dioxide absorbed by these trees in one year” (Slavikova 18).

Furthermore, support eco-friendly organizations and spread awareness about deforestation and its detrimental effects. This can be done through sharing environmental facts on social media, articles, or verbally communicating with friends or family members. Organizations that you can check out, donate, and support include Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund, Rainforest Alliance, and Conservation International (Slavikova, 30).

Works Cited

Rinkesh. “Deforestation

Causes, Effects and Solutions To Clearing of Forests.” Conserve Energy Future, 12 June 2020, www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-ofdeforestation.php Slavikova, Sara Popescu. “15 Strategies to Reduce

Deforestation.” Greentumble, 29 Aug. 2019,

https:// greentumble.com/15-strategies-to-reduce-deforestation/ Vang, J. Deforestation In The U.S. ArcGIS StoryMaps, Esri, 23 Jan. 2020, https://storymaps.arcgis.com/ stories/918884869ef94d9da9a11edc8a805a4b