One of the top resources that we have is the lignin filled lumber we use every day taken from large areas of forest. The lumber industry has been in full swing for decades and without proper management, rainforests as well as temperate forests are at full risk of being wiped out. That being said, lumber is used for everything from houses, to wood pulp, to musical instruments. Paper is a necessity and the industrial implications of compounds within trees are vital to the expansion of our society. So trees are pretty important. The fact is, areas as large as Panama, are being deforested every year. At this rate the rain forest will be completely destroyed within the next one hundred years. But why should we care? We will figure something out right? Well there are a few problems.
Our trees are one of the top producers of oxygen out there. Although trees also go through cellular respiration and release CO2, they also take in large amounts of CO2 for photosynthesis. The rainforest is home to very diverse wildlife that can’t live anywhere else in the world. Plants that could be the cure for diseases could be eradicated before being discovered. These trees hold the soil together and help to filter water across land, without large areas of trees, soil will run off into waterways, which will harm the ecosystem within the water system. The land will no longer be able to hold large amounts of water and will functionally become a desert with little, to no vegetation.
It is still possible to deforest an area responsibly in a way that will protect the environment and ensure that the area is able to readapt and grow again. Many of theses areas are being completely clear cut, in other words, every single tree is cut down. In more ecologically friendly methods, only certain trees are cut in certain areas pertaining to the surrounding environment and the unique nature of each area. This ensures that wildlife is able to rebound and the forest is also able to slowly grow to its original state.
The problem is that clear cutting is less expensive and will provide a greater yield for the loggers. This means cheaper products, and many industries don’t care where they get their wood from as long as it is cheap. So what can we as individuals of this earth do to protect our forests? One way as individuals that we can help is by seeking out companies that ensure that they get their wood products from sustainably harvested trees. Another great way is to recycle paper products as much as possible. These things will not individually make much of a contribution, unless we all do it. A greater way to make an end to all this irresponsible deforestation is to change the politics of our nation.
By supporting companies that lobby to congressman, it is possible to change the laws of the nation to make it illegal to buy wood products from companies who irresponsibly harvest wood. This will likely hurt the harmful wood industries so much so, that they will either shut down, or have to change their tactics to be more responsible and eco-friendly. This isn’t just the far-off rainforests, but clear cutting irresponsibly is hurting forests all of the world, so it is our job in order to save our forests. Click here, here, or here to learn more and to help save our forests.
Works Cited
“Deforestation Facts, Deforestation Information, Effects of Deforestation – National Geographic.” National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2016. <http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview/>.
“Solutions to Deforestation.” Greenpeace USA Solutions to Deforestation Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2016. <http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/forests/solutions-to-deforestation/>.
“Harvesting Methods and Options.” Idaho Forests. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2016. <http://www.idahoforests.org/harvopt1.htm>.
“Devastating Photos of the World’s Deforestation.” ZME Science. N.p., 04 Sept. 2015. Web. 30 Mar. 2016. <http://www.zmescience.com/other/great-pics/devastating-photos-deforestation-04092015/>.
Samantha Kielar says
Dan,
This was a very informative post. I like how you emphasized the bigger picture, like reasons why we should care, and the possibility of government action to help ensure that forests are protected. You stated the facts clearly, and made it easy to understand why it matters. This issue is in the interests of everyone.
kjs5903 says
Dan,
This blog post took me back to my childhood days where I lived with my father in Perry Country. He owns a 350 acre farm, 200 of which is forest lands. Whenever he looked into selling the land, he decided to sell the lumbar as well. I remember that it was a big ordeal and a long, drawn out process. First, the company came and they inspected the forest lands to make sure that it could be deemed a healthy ecosystem. Then they went around and marked all the dead trees that they were planning on cutting down. In order to qualify for being chopped down, the tree had to be fully dead and there could be no animals relying on it for shelter or storage. Then, after they marked each tree with paint, they finally came in and cut them down, then dragged them out and hauled them away. It seemed like an extensive process at the time, and even with all those precautions being taken, the forest was still harmed from all the machinery coming in and tearing up the lands.
I understand that it is necessary to cut down the trees to use the wood as resources for goods, however, it’s such a shame to see the negative effects this is having on our environment. I’m glad that you included ways in which we as individuals can help decrease the damages being done. I really enjoyed reading this blog; it’s a topic I am not too familiar with, but it is of great importance. I’ll be looking forward to learning more through your upcoming blogs! Great work!
Katie