The Negative Effects of Deforestation
Thursday, September 17, 2020 10:26:43 AM America/Los_Angeles
We need to talk about deforestation.
It’s no secret that the phenomenon is a serious ecological issue that is intrinsically tied to the ongoing climate crisis that threatens to alter our way of life irreparably. Fortunately, organizations like WWF, One Tree Planted, and many others are making strides to replace trees that are being consumed far more quickly than they can grow. Let’s talk about the largest three impacts of deforestation.
Climate Change
Because forests are responsible for trapping many metric tons of carbon emissions in their trunks year over year, it’s no surprise that cutting them down leads to increased amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In fact, one mature tree absorbs nearly 50 lbs. of carbon each year. As trees have a large part to play in the water cycle and because rainfall is the largest indicator of a region’s climate, it’s unsurprising that deforestation directly impacts climate change at this level, too. In arid or semi-arid areas, a combination of poor land management and deforestation can lead to a dangerous ecological phenomenon called desertification.
Decreasing Biodiversity
Forests aren’t just carbon sinks and irreplaceable spokes in the water cycle, however. They’re homes. 70% of the Earth’s bird population and land animals live in forests and rely on them for shelter, temperature management, and food. A lack of trees also causes soil erosion which diminishes the ability of the soil to grow flora, leading to further decreased biodiversity. When biodiversity in a region diminishes, it negatively impacts the region’s ecology- right
down to its delicate food chain. This can often lead to animal diaspora as they go in search of other
Photo by Andre Moura
places to find food or shelter. This is why you might occasionally see deer or rabbits in your garden from time to time.
Disrupted Livelihoods
Plants and animals aren’t the only ones who rely on forests. About 1.25 billion people around the planet (that’s more than a seventh of the global population) depend on woodland areas for shelter, fuel, water, food, and work. 750 million of those people live in forests, including 60 million indigenous people. When your every basic need is tied to the health of the forest you live in, deforestation will often have a disastrous impact on you and your community. It can lead to conflict over resources, migration, and inhumane working conditions.
Bark Potty is an innovative pee pad pad that is made from repurposed bark which is a byproduct of the forestry industry. This means that no additional trees are chopped down to make it, we’re just putting the leftovers to good use! You know what they say; one man’s trash is another man’s indoor pet potty solution! We’re also dedicated to our planet and helping to keep our home healthy. That’s why we donate 1% of our sales to One Tree Planted through our partnership with 1% for the Planet.