Deforestation: Problem and Solutions

Deforestation is defined as the conversion of forested areas to non-forested land use such as urbanization, farming or logged area. It is the result of the removal of trees without sufficient reforestation; however, even with reforestation, significant biodiversity loss may occur. Causes for deforestation can be direct, such as deliberate removal of forest cover for development, or indirect such as wildfires. Deforestation can also result in reduced plant biomass and ecosystem stability, species extinction and increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Therefore it is important that we take measures to stop or reduce the rate of deforestation. Since deforestation is cause by a number of factors it is imperative that we combat it with a plethora of tools. Therefore, a combination of forest protection, reforestation coupled with development control and relief of economic pressure could be a very effective policy to help end deforestation.

Because deforestation is the most measured process of land cover change it is important that we take action to prevent it (Lepers et al., 2005). Ideas of Forest protection came about in the era of Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir. Although some legislation has successfully created and preserved national parks throughout the U.S. recent acts passed by the Bush administration will serve to counter act the logging and forest protection regulations in the US. The plan will make it easier for timber companies to get approval to cut trees and clear brush in national forests that are deemed prone to fires. Opponents to forest protection argue that it does not save enough and is an economic burden for taxpayers. Conversely, if we do not take action we can only lose more of our natural resources. In James K. Benhin's article, Agriculture and Deforestation in the Tropics: A Critical Theoretical and Empirical Review, it is noted that roughly 9.7 million ha of the Amazonian forest was depleted by 1980 for agricultural uses. He states that farmers have a dependence upon the natural vegetation to store nutrients because the methods used are much cheaper than using fertilizer. Simple forest protection programs can stop major loss of vegetation. By making it illegal for protected areas to be used for agriculture, logging, cattle, or transport purposes governments can vastly reduce if not eliminate the occurrence of deforestation in critical areas. Nevertheless, this policy only protects from two key causes of deforestation and is therefore not enough alone.

Forest protection will prevent development in key regions. However, it is also essential that developed countries advance their policy to promote the natural environment. Currently some counties or cities in California have regulations on the clearance of trees from private property. The restrictions require that a new tree or multiple trees be planted elsewhere. Globally a reforestation effort like this would have a minimal impact but could spark more thoughts about the environment. One of the basic problems with deforestation controls, such as reforestation or a licensed system as posed in Mato Grosso, is lack of confidence form the population (Fearnside 343). The lack of confidence in reforesting the critical areas that have already experienced decay is why reforestation alone is not enough. Opponents to reforestation are quick to state the fact that biodiversity loss has already occurred. To implement a reforestation policy, I believe that a development control policy must also be instated. Concerned citizens would best wield this double-edged sword because a policy like this would fare better with those that are passionate about it and have the ability to inspire passion in others. An independent organization could lobby for regulations on development and money to take reforestation into its own hands and set up a large-scale reforestation effort.

On a global scale, it is up to each country and its citizens to devise environmental guidelines and enforce them. However, deforestation is also caused by economic pressure put upon underdeveloped countries. They are often in national debt and are forced to sell off natural resources or use them to expand exports in order to pay the debt. Specifically, countries are using land to expand agriculture export, or logging to expand resources export, as noted by Karen Ehrhardt-Martinez in her article Social Determinants of Deforestation in Developing Countries: A Cross-National Study. However the situation become a catch-22 when we try to relieve the economic pressure. It is a fact that can be easily seen in A Synthesis of Information on Rapid Land-cover Change for the Period 1981-2000 that deforestation is occurring the most in tropic areas near the equator, areas know to be underdeveloped. If efforts for relief include development then we are counteracting what we are trying to stop. However, it is also noted in the article that fully developed nations have showed signs of reduced deforestation and some have even exhibited reforestation. On the same note, if we just relieve the monetary pressure, will it be enough such that the country is not back in the hole? Also, will the country in question stop its use of land for export or just continue it? A solution of this magnitude requires that nations work together to devise financial and economic plans for the future to ensure that the underdeveloped populations catch up and not waste resources. This solution would clearly not work alone because it addresses only one issue but can prove to be an effective tool.

In conclusion, deforestation is an environmental problem that needs to be addressed. It is proven to be caused by a number of factors and should therefore be combated with a variety of methods, most of which are precautionary. However, it must be acknowledged that for our population to persist, natural resources must be used. This is why I believe that combinations of the conservationists' methods coupled with an economic approach would give the best results. The methods that I have posed do not only rely on governments but coalitions of people and countries working together to better distribute the stresses of rebuilding and preserving the environment that belongs to us all. Conservation is exactly what it reads. I can only end by saying that we must all do our part.

References

Benhin, James K. A. 2006. Agriculture and Deforestation in the Tropics: A Critical Theoretical and Empirical Review. AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment 35: 9-16

Ehrhardt-Martinez, Karen. 1998. Social Determinants of Deforestation in Developing Countries: A Cross-National Study. Social Forces 77: 567-586

Fearnside, Philip M. 2003. Deforestation Control in Mato Grosso: A New Model for Slowing the Loss of Brazil's Amazon Forest. AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment32: 343-345

Lepers, Erika, Lambin, Eric F., Janetos, Anthony C., DeFries, Ruth, Achard, Frederic, Ramankutty, Navin, Scholes, Robert J. 2005. A Synthesis of Information on Rapid Land-cover Change for the Period 1981-2000. BioScience55: 115-124

Rudel, Thomas K. 2000. Organizing for Sustainable Development: Conservation Organizations and the Struggle to Protect Tropical Rain Forests in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment29: 78-82

Sánchez-Azofeifa, G. Arturo, Harriss, Robert C., Skole, David L. 2001. Deforestation in Costa Rica: A Quantitative Analysis Using Remote Sensing Imagery. BIOTROPICA33: 378-384