Fighting Against Deforestation

Each day valuable forest land all across the United States is destroyed. Corporations and individuals cut down forests to make room for homes and businesses that are considered more valuable than the forest they are replacing. Few people understand how damaging this destruction is to the ecosystem.

The destruction of forest land leads to higher levels of pollution. Forests release carbon dioxide that helps prevent air pollution and the forest also slows the effects of water pollution. Overtime the loss of forests leads to a loss in oxygen and rain which can cause devastating droughts. Soil erosion also occurs which causes the destruction of plants and forces wildlife to leave their natural habitats. There are two things that all people can do to help fight against deforestation.

The first thing that can be done is working to re-grow destroyed forests. This might sound difficult or impossible but it can be done with dedication and determination. Plant new trees whenever possible and care for them carefully. Try to plant trees of the same species of the trees that have been destroyed. Planting only a handful of new trees can lead to seeding and new tree growth which will become more noticeable each year. With the return of natural trees to an area wildlife will return and the land will have a chance to recover from the damage done.

The second, and most important, thing that can be done is educating others about the importance of preserving forests. Educate those around you about the damage that is done to the ecosystem whenever trees and forests are cut down. Tell anyone who is interested, or curious, about plants and animals that are now completely extinct because of deforestation.

Encourage people to visit local forests and national parks. In many cases words are not enough to convince individuals of the importance of saving their local forests. Seeing the beauty of forests that have been allowed to grow undisturbed often shows others how important it is to conserve natural resources and land.

The idea of standing up against deforestation can be a daunting one but the only other option is standing by and enduring the effects. Remember, standing against deforestation does not always mean taking part in conferences are large, time consuming, projects. Planting your own trees and telling others about the importance of protecting forests will be more than enough. Before valuable forests, animals, and even plants are completely destroyed responsible individuals must act. Fighting against deforestation will not automatically reverse the effects of deforestation but it will slow down the process giving the land a chance to heal.