The evil effects of deforestation   Premium

The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that since 1990, 420 million hectares of forests have

The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that since 1990, 420 million hectares of forests have been lost through conversion to other land uses — agriculture, industrial use and biofuels — in order to feed 11 billion humans by the end of this century.

This will, in particular, affect the tropical regions such as India, China and Africa.

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has published the Global Forest Resources Assessment, and points out that 31% of the land on earth is covered by forests. When trees are felled, they lead to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and hence, global warming.

Deforestation increases 11% of the global greenhouse gas emissions (CO 2, CH 4, N 2O, SO 2, and chlorofluorocarbons).

The Harvard University Public Health Group further points out that deforestation leads to spikes in infectious germs such as those causing diseases such as malaria and dengue, which can adversely affect humans.

Dr. S.B. Kadrekar of the Environmental Society of India points out that not just trees but soil and water too must be saved. A 1% increase in deforestation leads to a 0.93% decrease in the availability of clean drinking water in rural communities that depend on open wells and flowing streams.

Also, trees release water into the atmosphere during transpiration, and this comes down as rainfall. Thus, deforestation has double effects. About 30% of the earth’s land area (3.9 billion hectares) is covered by forests. Yet, in the name of food supply, land use for developmental activities and technology, a lot of deforestation occurs in many countries.