Without trees, climate change will spiral out of control. Without trees, an uncountable amount of carbon dioxide will be transferred into the air. Without trees, we will lose an unmeasurable amount of wildlife populations. The biggest contributor to the decline of ecosystems? Humans.
According to the National Geographic, forests cover 30% of our planet’s land area.
When I was young, my favourite thing to do when we went on holiday to Devon was wander through the dense, populated forest. Walking through the forest quietly hoping to spot just a glimmer of a deer. I would look at the top of trees to spot birds: the trees were extremely tall and I often found myself getting a bit dizzy.
As years went by and I got older, visiting this forest where we used to stay just didn’t feel the same anymore. What was once a populated forest was now sparce land covered in tree stumps. Trees that had been situated there for years were now gone. Although many trees stood remaining, many were marked with numbers. I suppose they were next.
It’s saddening to think that so many animals are losing their only refuge.
Causes of Global Deforestation
One of the biggest reasons for deforestation is to create more room for farming and grazing livestock.
In Indonesia and Malaysia, trees are cut down to make way for palm oil plantations – palm oil being a popular product found in our daily favourites.
The National Geographic reports that in the Amazon, farming and soy plantations are the biggest culprits.
It’s worth mentioning the impact of natural disasters on our planet and their contribution to deforestation. Whilst these aren’t directly inflicted by humans, it stems from us. The constant warming of the planet is very much a real and dangerous threat.
So, why does this matter?
Trees are just as important to us as they are for animals. We might not build nests at the very top and we might not climb them in search of food but just like animals, they preserve and contribute to life by protecting us from danger.
For animals, trees can be a matter of life or death with many relying on trees for survival. Deforestation threatens many of our well loved animals and those we are yet to discover.
One of the biggest consequences of deforestation on animals is the increase in human conflict. Habitats decrease as trees are chopped down to make room for human activities. Many animals are forced into small territories that increase their chances of migrating to human land. This could be entering villages, eating, or destroying crops – sometimes even killing people. This often end up with animals being killed.
We should thrive for a world that both humans and wildlife can co-exist peacefully.
Sitting in silence isn’t enough, what can I do?
As consumers of products that actively contribute towards and engage in deforestation, we should feel obliged to consume and support brands that don’t promote such an attack on our planet.
Check what you buy. Ask yourself questions: “Is this sustainably sourced?”
When buying meats make sure to check whether you are supporting sustainably sourced products or even better, cut down on your meat consumption as a way of supporting sustainable living.
Sign petitions to be a part of movements that are fighting for change. Educate those around you and challenge their consumption choices. By spreading knowledge of the world’s current problems, you are effectively putting younger people in a position to make positive changes that will affect their future.
It’s hard to imagine a world without biodiversity, without effective and immediate measures put in place. But the destruction of our planet is an image that is becoming more vivid and real.
Robyn Lawrence
Image courtesy of Vlad Hilitanu via Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.
Robyn Lawrence
Currently studying BA Journalism and Media at the University of Leeds. Love writing about nature, all things lifestyle and discussing important topics!