http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/science/deforestation/
Picture:
This is a picture of a forest fire that the US based Cargill corporation intentionally lighted in order to make space for a soya plantation. This burning releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the air.
Summary:
Deforestation via forest fires releases the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the air, which is part of the reason for global warming. This goes along with humans burning fossil fuels, disrupting the carbon cycle by releasing huge amounts of carbon into the air each year. However, with deforestation it is even worse for the environment. Not only, is carbon dioxide being released into the air, but the very trees that take in the carbon dioxide and keep the cycle balanced are being used as fuel. This is doubling the damage we do to the environment because it cannot be reversed.
Also, deforestation destroys the habitat of thousands of plants and animals that rely on the forest to survive. If the trees are cut down or burned, many animals that used that tree now need to find a new home and build a new shelter. If plants and animals are constantly pushed backwards, one can only imagine what this may be doing to the communities.
If we wish to stop this terrible process, we must stop deforestation and continue reforestation. Planting new trees and protecting them in order to soak up carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses such as methane which cause global warming. This process can easily be stopped, and it is a shame that nothing substantial has been done so far.
Reaction:
It is a shame that this process is allowed to proceed. This is clearly a cause of global warming, yet not enough is being done. I hear people whining and complaining about global warming, yet nobody seems to realize that they themselves are part of the problem. Deforestation is a danger to wildlife, as well as ourselves. It creates room for plantations and farms, and helps some people, but meanwhile it destroys ecosystems and harms the entire world. Why is this allowed to continue? Why has nothing been done to stop it?
Questions:
1. What can be done by the government to slow deforestation?
2. How does deforestation harm you?
3. What point of view do you have on this problem? Why?
4. How can you help stop deforestation?
Aaron- I like this article; I totally agree with you! I always hear people complaining about global warming. I never realized that I am part of the problem towards it. Deforestation caused by wildfires is a scary thing. Since it is a forest being burned, we don’t know how fast or how long the fire will burn for. Not only is it dangerous for animals and organisms living there, it can have dangerous impacts on humans, too.
ReplyDeleteI also see a more positive side of wildfires and deforestation; though it can kill organisms and their homes, it also starts fresh so new organisms can make new habitats. Even though I am not for forest fires and deforestation, they do happen.
To end global warming, we need to end forest fires. These forest fires are sometimes out of our control, but normally we don’t know when they will happen. I think it is important to stay more aware of the fact that drier areas and climates can lead to forest fires, so these are some areas that can be monitored.
To answer one of your questions:
1. The government can be more alert about deforestation via forest fires. Maybe they could send out environmentalists to keep an eye on wildfires
(Picture) I saw a picture from this article http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview/# It is of a vivid green and healthy forest. I think it is really pretty to see how green it is, and how one little flame can spread to kill this all. That’s really sad to think about but it is a topic we need to be concerned about. I learned from this article that when there are fewer forests, larger amounts of greenhouse gases are released into the air which causes global warming.
Great article choice! It makes me wonder how important burning fossil fuels must be if we do it even though it's so harmful. Something really scary is the idea of global warming getting any worse. Although this is an opportunity for new habitats to begin, I believe it's still for the best to keep these fires under control. Maybe upping the fire patrol in prone areas would help this situation. Not only does it kill that area, but it will come back to harm us too. The carbon dioxide levels are rising like crazy and who knows where they'll be in just a few years. For question 4., as I said advancing the patrol could help. Also planting new forests to replace the old is good. Though that doesn't really prevent fires, it makes up for them. Putting laws on foresting would be a good idea too.
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ReplyDeleteNice article! I agree that deforestation should not be allowed to continue. It’s interesting, but at the same time, it’s a horrifying topic to think about. Places that used to be vast forests are now immense farmlands, plantations, homes, buildings, etc. Even though this may be helping some people economically, deforestation is causing global warming! I heard about global warming, since I was in fourth grade. The disputed issues include whether or not humans can survive high temperatures which is why some scientists believe the end of the world is near. Oh no! Many animals that live in forests are forced to move due to deforestation. Unfortunately, some innocent creatures are killed or injured during the process. I love animals and hate to think about them becoming extinct or hurt. Ecosystems are being destroyed and global warming is rising due to deforestation! This is something we definitely should be concerned about.
ReplyDeleteTo answer one of your questions:
Here is a link about ways we can stop deforestation:
http://www.justlivegreener.com/more/100-things-you-can-do-to-help-stop-deforestation.html
Since paper comes from trees, we should reduce our consumption of paper products and buy from sustainable manufactures. We should also think twice before printing and recycle! Adults should enroll in online banking. The more trees on the earth, the more oxygen, so we should start planting! As long as we consume and waste paper, deforestation will continue. That’s why it’s time to take a stand and some responsibility as eco-conscious consumers.