Deforestation has led to a drastic number of declines, including the loss of habitat for many species as well as the elimination of viable plant life. However, new studies are showing that deforestation could also be partially responsible for one more thing: The creation of dangerous pathogens. Studies are now showing that - based on the fact that up to 70% of the world will likely be living in towns and cities by 2050 - the lack of natural habitats could spawn more outbreaks.
An ecological modeler at University College London, Kate Jones, claims that this is something scientists have been warning about for years, to no avail. With the loss of the natural habitats of predatory species, other survivalist species - such as bats and rats - are able to adapt and survive under any condition. While these animal species are thriving despite the loss of their habitat, humans are forced to deal with the consequences that come from them, including an increase in bacteria and viral evolution.
This is only one new aspect of deforestation, however. The damage that's caused by deliberating removing trees from a wooded area reaches many regions, from something as seemingly small as an insect all the way up the chain to humans and their future. We've seen many of these effects stem from deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, which is known as one of the most beautiful, and once untouched, in the entire world. Now, logging has made a significant dent in the natural ecosystem of the Amazon and threatens to do the same in others.
The Negative Ramifications Of Deforestation
The problem with the removal of trees comes with the fine line of balance the world must walk in order to prevent damage to the environment. For every tree taken down, more must be planted, and over recent decades, this is something that has not been happening, thus the balance falls woefully out of control. Deforestation can also occur as a result of needing space, therefore clearing an area is an excuse for taking down large numbers of trees without a means for using them.
These actions can lead to an increase in climate change with fewer trees to filter CO2, a severe loss in agriculture, flooding, and even soil erosion, not to mention the intrusion on the lands of indigenous people. Many of these will cause ripple effects for the rest of the world; in the instance of an outcropping of trees being taken down at the edge of a farm, soil erosion could be a problem. In turn, flooding could be an outcome during heavy rains or seasonal changes, thus affecting the land, soil, the farmer's ability to grow crops, and the consumer's ability to buy crops. This chain reaction all starts with one thing: A single tree.
Species extinction is yet another threat the world will face as deforestation continues. The number of species will decline as their habitat is torn apart, as they have no means for shelter or safety. Although we have discovered an incredible number of species worldwide, there are many out there undiscovered, and deforestation could potentially threaten the ability to learn about their existence. Therefore, it remains a threat to species known and unknown.
As far as greenhouse gases are concerned, trees help to form a canopy that not only protects the lower-lying area from the sun's rays but also helps to maintain a water balance. Trees are able to regulate water cycles in rainforests which accounts for a significant moisture level and it's one that can be felt upon first entering a heavily forested area. Areas that have fewer trees also release more carbon dioxide into the air, while it's a proven fact that heavily wooded areas release less carbon dioxide, as trees are able to absorb it naturally through photosynthesis.
It would appear that planet earth has everything it needs to maintain sustainable life for the foreseeable future, but it's up to humans to decide whether or not it's worth saving. As things such as deforestation continue, it is likely that we'll see an influx of deadly diseases, increased greenhouse emissions, and loss of habitat. These photos not only show the devastation of an immediate area that has been cut down but also reflect the ignorance in relentlessly cutting down natural environments. The time table for tree growth varies based on the species of tree but it's never a rapid process, and it's not one that can be reversed by the time it's too late. The Lorax said it best: "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."