There is also the imminent danger of disease caused by deforestation. Find out the causes, effects, and solutions. Why Is Cutting Down Trees Bad? Removing trees deprives the forest of portions of its canopy, which blocks the suns rays during the day and retains heat at night. That disruption leads to more extreme temperature swings that can be harmful to plants and animals. Yet the effects of deforestation reach much farther. That's the woodpile my Dad and I cut/stack for 10+ years to heat up our family home in Upstate, NY. Middle Georgia State Universitynotes that an average American family wastes up to13,000 separate pieces of paper per year. Especially communities that are smaller and less modern. They also ensure that the water cycle (which provides the fresh water we rely on to stay alive) remains in balance. Large trees can also cause smaller structures, such as paving slabs, summer houses and garages to lift slightly as they grow underneath them. Climate change has accelerated the rate of ice loss across the continent. Before we explore the benefits of cutting down trees, we want to address a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding tree removal: How does cutting trees affect us and the environment? Forest loss contributes about 15-20% of all annual greenhouse gas emissions. One of the factors affecting global warming and climate change is the levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. These animals can sniff it out. In 2014, for example, the Ebola virus killed over 11,000 people in West Africa after fruit bats transmitted the disease to a toddler who was playing near trees where bats were roosting. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, known for its heat-trapping properties. Trees are cut down for many reasons, including building houses and furniture, opening up land for new use, and creating other wood-based resources. Maple syrup, blueberries, mushrooms, nuts, fruits, medicines and craft materials are just a few products that contribute to hobbies and cottage industries. Deforestation and the destruction of forest habitat is the leading cause of extinction on the planet. It was definitely work, so I wasnt always eager as a young boy to help my father and big brother, but I learned to love the process Tree removal is a topic of debate for many people. Sometimes trees are cut down for reasons as simple as needing space. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. In short: if we want good quality soil for agriculture and biodiversity, we need to look after our planets trees. These creatures have adapted to their environment over centuries and are reliant on it. A major effect of urbanisation, transport and industrialisation, noise is not just annoying for humans it can have a devastating effect on wildlife. They rely on the daily cycles of light and darkness to regulate their internal clock, navigate, and source food. The vast majority of our forest has been highly altered by past practices, mostly historic and some more recently. When a stack of paper is tossed into the trash instead of recycled, our minds just dont have the time to ponder what that action might look like after another 5, 10, 100, 1,000, or more people do the same thing. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Loggers, some of them acting illegally, also build roads to access more and more remote forestswhich leads to further deforestation. Although they still cover about 30% of the earths land area, we lose an area roughly equivalent to the size of Panama in forested land every year. Here are six reasons you can tell. Trying to pull deforestation and climate change apart wont work.Trees, forest plants, and forest soils store huge amounts of carbon. Maybe its a notebook for school? Animals will likely relocate and with that, insects and other critters can help with everything from spreading the seeds for new trees to the pollination of smaller, yet important, plants. Snakes, frogs, millipedes, ants, termites, spiders, beetles, moths all of them depend on the safety of their forest home. Or, better yet create even more of these jobs. Manoki (Irantxe) indians in the State of Mato Grosso. We suggest speaking to one of our tree surgeons in Manchester if youre wanting a second opinion. Bill Cook, Michigan State University Extension - Curators are realizing that returning looted artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors. Farming, grazing of livestock, mining, and drilling combined account for more than half of all deforestation. And hey the firewood they provide enables us to prepare food we could otherwise not digest. Removing trees deprives the forest of portions of its canopy, which blocks the suns rays during the day and retains heat at night. Not all deforestation is intentional. Second, removing the correct trees from a woodland area helps maintain forest health and vigor. Jason Schwartz is a media officer for Greenpeace USA based in New York City. Tropical tree cover alone can provide 23 percent of the climate mitigation needed to meet goals set in the Paris Agreement in 2015, according to one estimate. WebTrees are living things that grow old and die. Trees remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it as wood, which helps mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. A classic for a reason,reduce the waste you create, reuse what you can, and recycle that which you cannot. There are numerous examples of animal species that have been brought back from low populations through forest management. Many of them would disappear without ever having been discovered. Context is key, and we hope to provide that in this section. That disruption leads to more extreme temperature swings that can be harmful to plants and animals. When forests are looked after properly, they can provide a renewable source of wood forever. Whether its for harvesting sustainable timber, protecting trees and people, or creating new habitats, read on to discover reasons why its okay to cut down trees. Maybe its even all three! Behind me? All woodlands are important for wildlife, but its not just about trees. For one, the disease can spread to other plants and trees in your garden and it can also attract pests, such as insect infestations and rats that can later get in to your home. Forests depend on cycles of life and death. That is because weLOVEtrees and know how valuable they can be. Many IRA retirement portfolios include these companies. When you shop for wood and paper products, always look for the FSC or PEFC logos. Ninth, many dozens of non-timber forest products can be encouraged by forest management. I grew up on 50+ acres of pastures, woodlands, and a freshwater bass pond surrounded by apple orchards where I worked back in the day. How a zoo break-in changed the life of an owl called Flaco, Naked mole rats are fertile until they die, study finds. Climate change is in partcaused by forest loss which is in partcaused by climate change which is in part caused by forest loss. Used a dictionary the old fashioned way? Trees also contribute vital minerals to the soil by shedding its foliage and allowing it to decompose as mulch. Then lets save our trees! From pioneering the use of solar energy to helping to eradicating disease, here are just a few ways the 39th U.S. president has made the world a better place. One of the reasons I was able to keep the debt down this time around theyre the Fortune 500 companies, theyre good companies. In these situations, nature tends to be ignored or, at the very least, brushed to the side. Trees produce oxygen: We need oxygen to breathe, and without it, we would die in minutes. Most paper is made from wood pulp, through a simple process that began in China thousands of years ago. Work with a local leader in effective tree removal in your area. You dont need to be a scientist to notice the difference in the way you feel when walking through a forest. This widget requries the Arqam Lite Plugin, You can install it from the Theme settings menu > Install Plugins. Trees/Vruksh Can you live without Lets get to it! Without oxygen, it would be game over for the human species. Without the worlds forests, we wouldnt stand a chance. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For many small, often rural communities, without trees there would be no way to sustain the local people. For now, well just tell you that most paper is made from softwood trees and, after going through the process of turning that wood into pulp by way of chemicals or mechanics, you can get paper in no time. Branches can also cause physical So not only do trees remove unhealthy air, they actually replace it with clean air. Large scale tree cutting can lead to deforestation, a transformation of an area from forest to terrain with little vegetation. Smaller trees are often used for the production of charcoal. A diverse forest is a healthy forest. 5. You can feel good while not doingthatmuch extra work. Check out how plants and trees prevent soil erosion in this video. It has been estimated that if deforestation continues at its current rate, it will result in the extinction of around 28,000 different species in the next 25 years. https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org/about/science. Its time to get the cosy jumpers out and kick your way through piles of fallen leaves. Trees use photosynthesis to turn carbon dioxide Cutting trees is an essential tool for creating habitat conditions for many wildlife species, especially game species. The positive reasons have more to do with human-focused topics like economics, materials, and food. Your email address will not be published. Forests play a key role in the hydrological cycle by intercepting and regulating rainfall and flooding. We ignore forests at our own peril. Deforestation has lessened in the last few decades, but the rate at which we are losing forests and jungles is still quite alarming. Weve already covered the way that trees remove CO2 from the air. Small changes can make a big difference. Forestry practices, wildfires and, in small part, urbanization account for the rest. The world has established a natural rhythm when it comes to the water cycle. Just to add when you shop using links from Tree Journey, we may earn affiliate commissions if you make a purchase. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its all about creating a balance between the give and take that occurs when trees are removed and land is opened up to new possibilities. And speaking of small changes, sign up for our GROW newsletter today. Help us plant 100.000 trees this year! Therefore trees are crucial for maintaining optimum levels of humidity in our air. Tens of millions of acres are managed this way by corporations that report to stockholders. Some trees must be removed due to illness or lightning strikes. 4. A boy and two old women of a community of Baka people (pygmies) who live on the outskirts of Libongo, Cameroon. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. If you just cannot imagine giving up that feeling of putting pen to paper, we have a thought:Use a type of paper that isnt made of wood. 9 things to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. As a tree grows, it absorbs carbon dioxide from the air through a process called photosynthesis. The trim around your doors, the baseboards that protect the bottom of your walls, and possibly even your walls themselves are made of wood. Whether you do it full-time or are a weekend warrior, van life is exciting!, Read More 6 Easy Fruits To Grow Inside Your Van (And How To Do It)Continue, In recent times, more and more people have been interested in being more self-sufficient and healthy with their food. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. Full life cycle accounting for carbon and energy clearly demonstrates wood is far more sustainable than other raw materials. While the larger or more exciting animals (elephants, tigers, gibbons, macaques, sunbirds or hornbills) may be the first that come to mind, a seemingly simple tree may well be home to hundreds or even thousands more creatures of a much smaller size. A negative that follows, even if the land is repurposed, is that deforestation destroys the natural environment that once stood in place of this newly barren landscape. Managed forests grow wood forever, and we currently grow far more wood than we use. For example, some breeds of nesting birds will not nest in habitats that are undesirable due to noise. Trees provide a multitude of jobs. Cutting your trees back is a brilliant step forward. Safe and proper tree removal is imperative for both your own safety and the safety of those around you. I grew up on a hobby farm ten minutes north of Waterloo and spent many winters in the bush collecting firewood to heat our family home. Sustainably grown, trees are a source of so many vital foodstuffs. The cattle sector in Brazil and the Palm Oil sector in southeast Asia, both major drivers of deforestation, are also major sources of reported incidences of forced labor and social conflict.Deforestation often looks a lot like modern day colonialism. Before reading on and learning about the reasons and impacts of deforestation, we should discuss why this is such a hot topic. The numbers are grim, but many conservationists see reasons for hope. From fruit harvests to biological and botanical research. The wood from the smaller trees that are thinned is used for things like fence posts, pallets, wood chips and fuel. Call today 0161 338 4455 or 07917 798 459. This is especially true of our current forests, which are results of extreme disturbance from the historic logging era. If your apple tree is no longer alive, the structure of the tree itself is at risk of falling down or being knocked over in the first big storm of the season. Required fields are marked *. This is the single best way to prevent or minimize the effects of insects and diseases. Instead of waiting for nature to take its course, work with a local tree service team for safe removal. Money raised from selling timber provides a sustainable income that we invest back in to caring for the nations forests, increasing the benefits they provide for people, nature and the economy. The information was not what I was looking for. WebThe 41-page, vividly illustrated picture book is a product of the U. S. Forest Services Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry and discusses why trees are sometimes felled. This produces stronger timber with fewer knots in the wood. Annals of the association of American Geographers,75(2), 163-184. Know how important trees are? Subscribe to our newsletter. A diverse range of birds, insects and mammals live in forest habitats. The word is normally used to describe the actions of humans in removing forests from the planet, rather than destruction caused by such natural events as hurricanes. Any problems we do spot are treated to control their spread and protect other trees. We suggest speaking to one of our. Careless tree removal and large-scale deforestation does adversely affect the environment and, indirectly, us. Over the past few years, weve gained significant ground in getting major companies to move toward forest-friendly business models. Well go through all of these different reasons, and explain where deforestation comes in. 6 Reasons Stopping Deforestation (Still) Matters - Greenpeace Here are a few things to keep in mind when you want to do some good and help the planet keep producing the beautiful trees that we all know and love: So many of our articles are about helping you to care for the trees on your property, or even to plant new ones. We all use things made from wood every day. Of course, an opinion, but one held worldwide by many. These trees create a natural form of protection to the land. 4. Whilst it may be easier to simply leave a dead tree this can actually cause many problems and in some circumstances can lead to serious injuries. The spread of pests and diseases can cause devasting impacts to our woodlands and kill huge numbers of trees. Making sure that those fallen trees dont go to waste is another huge aspect of sustainability. It works. Stopping deforestation and the destruction of the world's rainforests is more than an environmental issue. We are proud that almost one fifth of our landscapes are types of open spaces managed primarily for wildlife. Barges loaded with timber in the tropical rainforest of Para state. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Who created it? A barge loaded with timber in Para state. 6 Easy Fruits To Grow Inside Your Van (And How To Do It), 6 Best Fruit Trees That Have Shallow Roots: Identification Guide, Do Maple Trees Need Sun Or Shade? Okay, we are finally at the part youve been waiting for! Its the same for ceilings and floors, though the walls are the biggest structural piece of the puzzle in this case. Just last year, the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon rose for the first time since 2008. We have enlisted the top 11 reasons why trees are so incredibly valuable for you. Again, this makes the soil much more nutritious for other plants (including crops). Its then absorbed by trees and other plants, then released back into the air as transpiration. This can not only lead to injuries but also damage to buildings and property. Stopping deforestation before it reaches a critical point will play a key role in avoiding the next zoonotic pandemic. If you suspect a tree is diseased or infested, its best to have it removed before it can cause more damage to nearby trees. Cutting down trees also disrupts the water cycle, because tree roots normally ground the water and release it into the atmosphere. its also much easier for the whole tree to fall when its dead, especially in bad weather conditions. Large scale destruction of treesdeforestationaffects ecosystems, climate, and even increases risk for zoonotic diseases spreading to humans. For consumers, it makes sense to examine the products and meats you buy, looking for sustainably produced sources when you can. Allen, J. C., & Barnes, D. F. (1985). The Tree Is No Longer Producing Fruit. And in Brazil, conservationists are rallying in the face of ominous signals that the government may roll back forest protections. Please, rush a gift right now to help power the fight for a Global Ocean Treaty before time runs out for our ocean creatures facing overwhelming threats. Using their trunks and foliage, trees form a natural barrier to winds and floods. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? Living in a van is an adventure all on its own. Standardizing the calculation of the annual rate of deforestation. Sometimes this is the intention that leads to deforestation, which we will discuss below, but other times it may be a result that simplyhappens. Again,ecosystems in nature are delicate and the loss of one factor can lead to the downfall of others. So, wrap up warm and discover these top signs of winter to spot on your next woodland walk! Need of Space for Building 3. Nonprofit groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance certify products they consider sustainable, while the World Wildlife Fund has a palm oil scorecard for consumer brands. We manage landscapes to provide the best balance of benefits for people, nature and the economy. So, the creation of materials that deforestation provides is ultimately positive, though the practice of refurbishing and reusing pre-owned materials like tables, cabinets, and chairs could certainly be utilized more in our modern world. Clearing large swathes of trees with no intention of replanting is harmful to the environment. So much of what we use comes from trees, and wood is a necessity whether or not we think of it as such. A lot of wood. At our project in Ghana, trees also offer the possibility of education for youngsters. From the books we read and paper we write and draw on, to the furniture we sit, eat and sleep on. In addition to storing all that carbon (and exchanging CO2 for the oxygen we breathe), forests play other vital roles that make life livable. As you can probably gather from the effects listed above,deforestation is a complex topic that can be beneficial when done correctly but harmful when done without the intention to rebuild deforested areas. We cant survive without trees, and we need to plant more. All the way from rainforest care to tree planting. Instead of losing sleep, both figuratively and literally, focus on the other ways you can make cutting your tree the most convenient, painless process! We need trees for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that they absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale and the heat-trapping greenhouse gases that human activities emit. By providing homegrown timber to the nation, we can also reduce demand on the resources of other countries where forests may not be managed responsibly. In a rapidly warming planet, the excessive levels of carbon dioxide that humans are producing is literally trapping the heat in our atmosphere. To create other habitats. People also cut down trees to clear land for agricultural use. Old cells hang around as we age, doing damage to the body.

An iceberg melts in the waters off Antarctica. Think about your house- what in it is made of wood? But, as with many other physically taxing jobs, it tends to be work which is reserved for those in lower socio-economic areas. (Which nation could be the first to be rewilded?). This helps to restore important habitat like heathland, peatland and wetland areas. Plants create oxygen and absorb greenhouse Oftentimes, companies will cut down a large section of trees to be able to produce wood that is good quality and fit to create furniture, decor and other functional pieces for people to use in their everyday lives.