Trees are considered one of the most important things in this earth. They are essential for the growth of plants and animals. For us humans we need trees for oxygen. Trees give balance to the climate and serve as a carbon dioxide filter. They are also considered as a home for different animal and plant species. They also give beauty to the world. Today, due to the necessity, trees are being cut down at a fast rate. Based on environment statistics, more than half of the trees in this world are gone due to human activity.

Deforestation has been ongoing centuries ago. Forests are being destroyed at an exceptional rate. Back in the old times people are surrounded by vast number of trees but due to the fact that they need wood for cooking and heating, deforestation began. Until today there is a massive cutting down of trees. Environmentalists are beginning to worry about the effects of this in the future.

Causes of Deforestation

There are many reasons why forests are being destroyed. Here are some common reasons why deforestation occurs.

• The trees are being used to build materials like furniture and paper products.
• Forests are being cleared to accommodate the building of urban and residential areas.
• Deforestation happens in order to clear a land that will be used for growing crops and other agricultural products
• In some countries, they cut down forest to provide an area for grazing animals.
• Trees are being cut down to be used as a firewood or charcoal.
• Forests are being depleted to explore possibility of oil and mining.
• Slash and burn farming techniques.

Effects of Deforestation

Many environmentalists are rallying against deforestation because of its adverse effects in the nature. If we are not careful, our future grandchildren will suffer.

• When there is no forest, the soil will be exposed to the sun that will eventually dry it up. If the soil is dry then there is a chance that it is infertile because of the fact that nutrients are loss. When there is a rainfall, the water washes away the minerals and nutrients found in the soil. Replanting is sometimes not the solution for deforestation because when the trees are beginning to mature the soil will lack what it needs to help the trees to grow. Land cultivation will also be impossible to do because the land is useless. Large areas will become poor due to soil erosion.
• The water cycle is clearly depended on trees. Trees get water from their roots that will then be released in the atmosphere. The water will circulate in the atmosphere. If there are no more trees, the climate will get dry.
• Rainforest is the habitat of different species of animals and plants. If the forest will be cut down, they have nowhere to live and as a result, these animals and plants will become extinct.
• Trees absorb water. So if there are no more trees to catch water from the heavy rain, flooding will occur.
• Global warming is caused by huge amount of carbon dioxide being released in the atmosphere. Trees are the one filtering this carbon dioxide. They act as carbon dioxide storage. They will in turn use this to produce carbohydrates, fats and others that are needed for their growth. If there are no trees it will lead to high concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that will then lead to climate change.