How Deforestation is Impacting Climate Change

The Amazon rainforest is absolutely crucial to the planet's climate system. Trees and plants help keep our climate stable by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen. Carbon dioxide is stored in the wood, foliage and soil. When trees and plants are cut down, the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere which is the second leading contributor to climate change.

Tropical deforestation releases 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. Putting a stop to deforestation is essential in reducing future greenhouse gas concentrations as rainforests like the Amazon and Indonesia are huge barriers against climate change. Without them the carbon dioxide levels would more than double so they must be protected not only for the sake of our climate but also for the sake of our clean water.

However, man is not the only one responsible for the destruction of our forests as fires and insects also cost us several acres of forests each year. Dry conditions caused by global heating produces lightening storms with very little rain which leaves the forests vulnerable to fires and also creates a perfect breeding ground for insects.

Forests are our main buffers against climate change but acres of forests worldwide are being destroyed in the name of progress where housing projects, business centers and huge shopping malls are replacing trees and plants around the world.

Natural ecosystems do more than store carbon dioxide. They protect the environment from floods and droughts. But more importantly, they help in stabilizing our climate and at the current rate of climate change we need all the help we can get.

In the Bible God warned man not to abuse the creation. "...but in the seventh year... You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard... for it is a year of rest for the land." (Lev. 25: 4-5)

As for deforestation, it has been let go far too long. Men are ripping apart the rainforests to plant crops and global heating is drying them out. What the fires don't consume the insects destroy. Most of us have nothing to do with the ravishment of the rainforests and probably couldn't have prevented it even if we had known it was happening.

There are groups of people associated with the timber industries called, "Environmental terrorists" who slip into restricted areas and cut down trees that have existed for hundreds of years. When these companies are found out they get a proverbial slap on the wrist and nine times out of ten they go right back out and do it again.

Investors can buy thousands of acres filled with trees then cut and sell the trees which almost pay for the land on which a multi-billion dollar project is constructed. It's all about the money.

Jesus Christ, the One that fed more than 5,000 people from just a few loaves of bread and fish, had the disciples gather up the leftovers. Apparently, He doesn't waste anything. Those responsible for wasting our resources will have to answer to the creator. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Heb.10:31)

Interesting Reading:

The Real Truth about Global Warming
Global Warming: Cold, Hard facts
Why We Should be Preparing for Global Warming