Our Blue and Green Planet
what makes our planet so different from the rest?
If you will say large amount of water in our Oceans then you are wring. Even we have found water on another planets but not trees yet and I think this make our planet different from the rest. What you will choose between diamond and a tree? Truly most of us will choose diamond as for money to remove their financial problems. But truly, now we have even find diamonds floating in the vacuum (space), but not the trees yet.
Our forests adds a green color to our planet. Our rainforests were here long before we humans existed. It is home to thousand (or many more as this is still unknown species ) of plants, animals and home to indigenous forest people.
Now because of our continue activities such as mining, deforestation etc., our forests are almost gone.
Why deforestation is hurting?
Deforestation is when trees are chopped down to clear a forest so the land can be used for other purposes. The trees can eventually grow back, but at the rate we’re cutting them down, they can’t grow fast enough. Tropical deforestation is the 2nd biggest contributor to climate change.
We will share with you some deforestation facts and statistics, to show you how it affects our environment and how we can help stop it
Fast forests facts
- 13 million hectares of forests have been converted for other uses or destroyed by natural causes. While I'm writing this, almost 3 hectares have been cleared.
- Up to 28,000 species can go extinct in the next quarter century due it deforestation.
- By the year 2030, we might only have 19% of Rainforests left and it can all disappear in a hundred years.
- 10% of the world's forests are now protected area. This is roughly the size of India.
- Tropical Rainforests store than 210 gigatons of carbon and deforestation is the cause of 15% of carbon emissions.
- Cure for diseases have been found in plants and the raw materials come from our tropical rainforests.
Agriculture
Farmers need more land to plant their crops and for livestock to graze on. They often clear acres of trees is what is called "Slash and burn technique". They chop down the trees and burn them and left the land for restoring.
Logging
Trees are cut down to provide the wood and paper requirements of our ever growing population. In the process of harvesting the wood, trees have to be cleared to give access to logging equipment's, as well. Illegal logging is now being strictly implemented and most business are moving into a paper free environment.
Bio Fuels
The rising popularity of Palm Oil and its increased value is the main cause of deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia. Palm oil is used in food and beauty products. Many countries are debating whether Palm Oil Should be banned as a bio-fuel. Soy, Ethanol and other biofuel plantations play a major part in the loss of our forests.
For Fuel
Most developing countries use firewood and charcoal for heating their homes and cooking their food.
Roads and Highways
Our progress required that we travelled from one place to another the fastest possible way. This means roads and highways.
Mining
A lot of forested areas are rich in minerals and are vulnerable to mining operations. What are trees, compared to gold or diamonds?
A World without Trees
Unimaginable, isn’t it? But the barrenness of a world without trees is not the only reason for concern.
Global Warming
is caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide being released into our atmosphere in great amounts. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while at the same time producing oxygen and releasing water vapor into the atmosphere. We’ve destroyed only half of our forests and we’re already feeling the effects of global warming. What if there isn’t a single tree left?
Loss of Habitat
70% of our world’s plant and animal species live in forests. Whenever we clear acres of them, they lose their habitat and die. Indigenous forest people who’ve lived there for the longest time are being deprived of their home.
Flooding and Erosion
Areas that have been deforested are prone to flooding because of the absence of tree roots to hold the soil down. Since the soil is more exposed to the sun, it eventually dries out and cannot be used for farming. Erosion also causes contaminants in the soil to make their way into our water supply – contaminating streams and lakes and other water sources. This decreases the quality of our drinking water.
We cannot afford to lose more of our forests. We need to do our share to help stop it now before we suffer the devastating consequences.
Save Our Trees
Governments, non-profit organizations like The World Wildlife Fund and Amazon Watch, are working hard to fight deforestation. Due to their efforts, deforestation has decreased but we still have a long way to go.
Can your efforts really help save our forests? Yes, they can!
Plant more Trees
Encourage your friends in your community to plant a tree and help keep your local forest safe (If you have one in your area). Every patch of green is worth saving.
Exercise your Power as a Consumer
Put pressure on companies that are destroying forests to manufacture their products by not buying from them. Support brands with zero deforestation policies and environment friendly products and encourage people to do the same. Be aware and ask how the products you buy are being made. Go green.
Practice the 3 Rs
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle to lower the need for more raw materials from Trees.
Take a Stand on Political Issues
Write to your local government officials on the topic of deforestation and tree cutting in your area. Ask them to create more parks.
Support Non-Profit Organizations
Donate a small amount to non-profit organizations to enable them to continue their fight against deforestation. They need all the help they can get.
There really is nothing lovelier in nature. Let’s help save our trees.
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