Environmental problems deforestation what solutions. Tropical deforestation. Solving deforestation

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AT modern world more and more question ecological disaster, about the problems that are associated with the disruption of the natural functioning ecological system. One of them is the rapid deforestation and, as a result, the deforestation of our planet. Thousands of years ago, the Earth was densely covered with forests. These are the territories of the North and South America, Western Europe, Asia, Africa. But with the growth of the population on the green planet, the forest cover has decreased, under the influence of human activity. Today, forests cover about 30 percent of the land. the globe. Canada, Finland, Russia, USA, Brazil, Congo are countries rich in forest resources. More than half of all forest plantations are tropical forests. Another type of forest plantations, no less important in the ecosystem, is a coniferous forest.

Under the influence of man The earth has no more than 20 percent of untouched forests left. These are the so-called virgin forests, which have not been touched by the hand of man. The forests have preserved their natural ecosystem and are the habitat of many animals and plants. Deforestation of these forests will lead to the extinction of many species, their displacement by other species.

It is time for humanity to think about the conservation of natural forest resources, as well as to ensure their expansion and reasonable use.

What is a forest for an ecosystem?

The main function of forest cover is to provide oxygen to the planet. Ever since school, everyone remembers about photosynthesis, which occurs in all plants. They absorb carbon dioxide, which is necessary for the oxygen production process. However, given the rapid pace of scientific progress and the active deforestation of the land, there are serious problems in the functioning of the ecosystem.

Also, the forest is a kind of drainage system of the planet. It protects the soil from leaching, erosion, waterlogging, the onset of sand, prevents floods and landslides. Also, the forest filters groundwater, provides a hydrological regime, ensures the filling of reservoirs, and prevents their drainage.

Forest areas provide a variety of biological species, as they have special conditions for existence, without which many species of animals, birds, and insects cannot survive in the conditions of a developed forest. This is approximately 80 percent of all terrestrial species.

Forest and humanity

For man, since the time of its origin, the forest has been the main source of its life support. Shelter over head, food, medicinal plants- all this man found in the forest.

In the modern world, the role of forest plantations in human life has become not only an extreme vital necessity, but also a means of earning and comfort. Mankind, as before, uses wood for construction and as fuel, the use of forest resources has been put on an industrial scale. Wood is used as a raw material in the production of building materials, furniture, paper, as well as in the railway and chemical industries. Wood is used to make many things that people consume.
The needs of mankind are growing, but the resources of the planet are not unlimited, their unreasonable use will lead to a violation of the ecological balance in nature. Deforestation around the world is rapidly reducing their area, it also affects climate change, and on the abundance and diversity of biological species.

Causes of deforestation

The first reason was population growth. People cost cities for life, cutting down green spaces for them. As of January 1, 2016, the population was more than 7 billion people and every year this figure is growing.
For development Agriculture, pastures and land were needed for cultivation, which entailed the destruction of half of the forest that once existed. In our time, these needs are growing and the remaining plantations are under threat.
Today, wood remains a very valuable material in many industries. Deforestation has become a profitable business. The problem is that this often happens illegally, uncontrollably, without taking into account the damage caused to forest plantations and environment.
Another reason for the destruction of forest plantations was the increase in forest fires. This leads to a decrease in the forest area, and as a result - carbon dioxide emissions into the Earth's atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect.

Ways to combat deforestation
The solution to the problem of destruction of forest cover should be carried out at the international, state and regional levels. Also, every person should take care of the environment.

Key measures to combat deforestation:

Improvement of the legislative framework in the field of forest management at the state level. Development international conventions on the protection and protection of forest cover.
Implementation of accounting and control systems for deforestation, tougher penalties for illegal destruction of forest areas.
Carrying out social programs among the population on the careful attitude to forest resources, their protection and the elimination of damage caused to mankind.
To increase the area of new forest plantations, to expand existing ones, to create forest reserves, to protect undeveloped forests.
Use effective forest fire prevention measures.
Development of measures to reduce the use of wood in industrial areas, the introduction of secondary wood processing.

Humanity already needs to think about the safety of the world around us, about the health of the ecosystem in which it lives. Each person is able to take care of nature, plant a tree and use earth's resources economically.

The number of people is constantly increasing. According to statistics, there are already more than 7 billion of us, according to some forecasts, in 100 years we will already be 27 billion. However, already today there is a shortage of land resources. About 70% of the world's population is concentrated on only 7% of the land, the rest of the territories are arid deserts, mountain ranges and permafrost lands, or simply not suitable for life.

Therefore, a person, in order to satisfy his needs, began to ruthlessly cut down forests, drain swamps ... Forests are not only a source of oxygen - the most important element of our atmosphere, but also a home for a huge number of living organisms. By cutting down forests, we endangered the existence of not only flora and fauna, but of all mankind.

However, humanity is in no hurry to fight for the safety of natural resources. Today, only 13% of land and about 2% of sea areas are protected. These lands, of course, are under protection, but still you need to pay attention to everything. Natural resources our planet.

Latin America and the Caribbean

This region is very rich in forest resources, almost 50% of the entire territory is covered dense forests, this is more than 890 million hectares. However, large-scale deforestation is underway here - annually forest areas are reduced by 500,000 hectares.

This is what the once dense and green rainforests in Brazil look like

Brazil, state of Mato Grosso. In 1992, most of the state was occupied by dense tropical forests. 14 years later, in 2006, green forests were replaced by concrete walls and paved roads.

The Brazilian state of Mato Grosso in 1992 (left) and 2006 (right). Aerial photo, forest highlighted in contrasting red.

Also, due to the reduction of the range, representatives of the animal world suffer. Populations of sloths, spider monkeys, long-tailed cats and other inhabitants have declined in large numbers rainforest.

Africa

About 17% of the area of all forests in the world is concentrated on the African continent, in figures it is more than 670 million hectares. Before 2000 annually forest areas were reduced by 4 million hectares. Starting from 2000, this figure began to decline and reached the level of 3 million hectares. But despite this, deforestation in Africa is catastrophic.

Nigeria ranks 7th in reserves natural gas, but the population still uses charcoal for domestic needs. For a hundred years, 81% of forests have been destroyed here. According to some reports, in 15-20 years, forests in Nigeria can only be seen in photographs.

Deforestation in the eastern part of the Black Continent

Madagascar is a prime example of destructive deforestation. The once fertile lands of the island are now in a disastrous state - 94% of the land is dry, sun-scorched sands. Uncontrolled deforestation led to an ecological disaster - since the island was settled by people, 90% of the forests have been destroyed. But the nature of Madagascar is unique, most species of flora and fauna (about 90%) are not found anywhere else. For example, in the forests of Madagascar there are only 250 individuals of silky sifik, one of the representatives of lemurs.

Asia

Some of the most densely populated regions in the world are the countries of the central and South Asia Therefore, the territorial issue here is the most painful. UN and UNEP experts emphasize in their reports that in ten years 98% of forests will be destroyed in the south-east of the region. Every year, about 1.2% of the total forest areas are cut down here for housing and agricultural land.

Myanmar ranks fourth in terms of the rate and volume of deforestation, in other words ecological situation it's very sad here

Land clearing for the construction of a palm oil plant in Indonesia

Due to this problem, a large number of animal species have been affected in this region, as they are destroyed habitat a habitat. For example, the orangutan population in Borneo has fallen by 80% over the past 75 years.

Europe

Most vast territories occupied by forests are, of course, in Russia. In the European region, the issue of deforestation is not as catastrophic as in the whole world, however, this does not mean that it should be ignored. In Western Europe, numerous programs are being developed to restore lost resources.

However, the previously caused damage to wildlife is difficult to repair. The reduction of hunting places and habitats has led to the threat of extinction of many animal species - the Amur tiger, the Far Eastern leopard, the manul, etc.

These examples are only a small part of how mercilessly a person treats his home. If we do not seriously think about the preservation of our beautiful, amazing and unique nature, our descendants will get an empty planet, scorched by the sun and unsuitable for life.

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Marina Rudnitskaya

In many regions of Russia, illegal and uncontrolled felling of trees is carried out systematically. According to the estimates of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) annually Russia loses about $1 billion due to illegal logging. In the Arkhangelsk region alone last year, inspectors recorded 359 cases of illegal logging, resulting in losses of 410,500,000 rubles ($12 million). You can find enough detailed information about the changes in forestry that have taken place in last years.

The highest level of illegal logging is observed in the north-west of Russia and the Far East. Increasing timber harvesting restrictions in China have increased demand for Russian timber. So the forest from the Far East is sent to China, where sawmills and their Western clients are destroying valuable hardwoods, of which we have less and less. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) claims that "80% wood valuable breeds is cut down illegally in the Far East.”

Half of all timber imported from Russia to the EU goes to Finland. Sweden, Germany, Great Britain and Italy are also major timber importers from Russia.

Systematic deforestation causes significant damage wild nature, destroys the ecosystem, displaces animals from their original habitats. Intensive logging, according to WWF, threatens the existence of such animals as capercaillie, white-backed woodpecker, Amur tiger and far eastern leopard. Ash, linden, oak and cedar are disappearing. Also, deforestation is one of the main reasons for the increase in the greenhouse effect.

Despite the scale of the problem, lack of human resources, low salaries of foresters, lack of control directly in the forests and gaps in legislation make it difficult to prevent such criminal acts. Companies, under the guise of cutting down diseased trees, harvest healthy valuable wood. Some land tenants transfer the right to cut to other companies that harvest more than the allowed volumes, and the tenants then buy the wood from them along with the surplus. Poachers must be caught by the hand in order to law enforcement were able to hold them accountable. When the trees are taken away from the place where they were cut down, it is no longer possible to present something to the poachers. The sale of timber has become the main source of income for unscrupulous foresters and officials. In addition, many people go to deforestation due to poverty and unemployment in order to feed their families.

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It's hard to overestimate. No wonder the trees. They generally form a single ecosystem that affects life. various kinds, soil, atmosphere, water regime. Many people do not even realize what a disaster deforestation will lead to if it is not stopped.

Deforestation problem

AT this moment The problem of cutting down trees is relevant for all continents of the earth, but this problem is most acute in the countries of Western Europe, South America, and Asia. Intensive destruction of forests leads to the problem of deforestation. The territory, freed from trees, turns into a poor landscape, becomes unsuitable for life.

To understand how close a disaster is, you should pay attention to a number of facts:

more than half have already been destroyed, and it will take hundreds of years to restore them;
now only 30% of the land is occupied by forests;
regular felling of trees leads to an increase in carbon monoxide in the atmosphere by 6-12%;
every minute disappears the territory of the forest, which is equal in size to several football fields.

Reasons for deforestation

Some of the most common reasons for felling trees include:

wood has a high value as a building material and a raw material for paper, cardboard, and the manufacture of household items;
often destroy forests to expand new agricultural land;
for laying communication lines and roads

In addition, a large number of trees suffer as a result, which constantly occur due to improper handling of fire. They also happen during the dry season.

Illegal deforestation

Quite often, tree felling occurs illegally. In many countries of the world, there are not enough institutions and people who can control the process of deforestation. In turn, entrepreneurs in this area sometimes commit violations, annually increasing the volume of deforestation. It is also believed that timber supplied by poachers who do not have a license to operate comes through to the market. There is an opinion that the introduction of a high duty on timber would significantly reduce the sale of timber abroad, and, accordingly, would reduce the number of felled trees.

Deforestation in Russia

Russia is one of the leading wood producers. Together with Canada, these two countries contribute about 34% of the total amount of exported material in the world market. The most active areas where trees are cut down are the territory of Siberia and Far East. Concerning illegal logging, then everything is decided by paying fines. However, this does not contribute to the restoration of the forest ecosystem in any way.

The main result of tree cutting is deforestation, which has a lot of consequences:

climate change;
environmental pollution;
ecosystem change;
destruction a large number plants;
animals are forced to leave their usual habitats;
deterioration of the atmosphere;
deterioration in nature;
soil destruction, which will lead to;
emergence of environmental refugees.

Deforestation permit

Companies that cut down trees must obtain a special permit for this activity. To do this, you need to submit an application, a plan of the area where the felling is carried out, a description of the types of trees that will be cut down, as well as a number of papers for coordination with various services. In general, obtaining such a permit is difficult. However, this does not completely rule out the illegality of deforestation. It is recommended to tighten this procedure while it is still possible to save the forests on the planet.

Sample permit for deforestation

What will happen to the planet if all the trees are cut down

Trees and other vegetation are the key to maintaining the climate on Earth. In recent years, the issue of preserving forests on the planet has become particularly acute. For the number of green spaces and their condition in cities and other settlements monitored by the competent authorities.

Sanitary felling of trees on the site is possible only after agreement with the utility companies.

Sanitary felling

Trees, like other living organisms, are prone to disease, they age, become emergency. Spontaneous collapse of such a tree can lead to accidents and injuries, as well as the collapse of power lines, damage to cars and other property.

Regular felling of trees within the boundaries of settlements is necessary for:

timely removal of diseased, old or damaged plants that can harm people or property;
rejuvenation of the garden and arrangement of territories, as new plants will be planted in place of old trees;
production construction works when erecting new buildings, laying roads or communications.

All these activities must be carried out in accordance with applicable law after approvals.

For industrial purposes, wood is obtained by deforestation. This process should be controlled by the state. AT recent times cases of illegal logging have become more frequent, in which case no one cares about preserving nature and reducing damage to the forest ecosystem.

As a result, irreparable damage is caused to nature:

after the destruction of the forest ecosystem, many species of animals and plants disappear;
a decrease in the varieties of representatives of the flora affects the quality of life of the population of the planet;
an increase in carbon dioxide in the planet's atmosphere leads to a greenhouse effect, resulting in global climate change;
there is a constant washing out of the soil, the destruction of the upper fertile layer, which leads to the formation of deserts;
high humidity on the soil provokes waterlogging of areas where trees were cut down;
the destruction of green spaces from the slopes of the mountains leads to the rapid melting of glaciers.

The negative consequences can be mitigated by planting new plants, as well as reducing the consumption of wood and paper products. Recycling paper can also partially solve the problem of cutting down trees.

Deforestation can lead to sad consequences, see the video: