Maher 1

Robbie Maher
Harrell
English IV Honors
November 7, 2014
Deforestation
Global warming has been a much feared phenomena for many years now because the
effects are known to be catastrophic. There has been a lot of debate over how to deal with the
rising climates caused by global warming. Many scientists have been trying to develop
technology, like hybrid cars or even alternative energy, to offset the human carbon footprint
(Docksai 45), but we already have naturally occurring objects that can help the earth now! Trees!
Trees are what have kept the earth at a comfortable temperature for millions of years; before
widespread deforestation, global warming was not an issue. It is because of humans that trees
have been cut down at ridiculous rates and it is because of humans that global warming is
occurring. Big businesses have been cutting down trees at any rate they feel is most profitable,
and some governments have allowed this to happen. Government and big businesses need to take
responsibility and reverse the effects of widespread deforestation by protecting the forests we
still have and by replenishing the ones that we have lost.
The effects of deforestation on the environment are catastrophic to all living species and
the earth. Because each tree releases a share of carbon dioxide when cut down, deforestation
accounts for one-fifth of annual greenhouse gas emissions, globally; this is equal to the amount
of global vehicle emissions, or roughly the same amount of emissions as the entire United States
(Burgess, Hansen, Olken, Potapov, Sieber 1708). Just by bringing deforestation to a halt, global
greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by twenty percent! Deforestation has its effects also

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on the animals living on the earth. Forests are the source for the homes and food for hundreds of
different species. Deforestation is the cause of the extinction of many species; without a place to
obtain food or live, many species die out.
Deforestation occurs for a variety of reasons. In a lot of African countries, most
deforestation occurs as a result of the people trying to make a livelihood through small scale
farming and for fuel needs (Docksai 46). While their efforts to survive are justified, there needs
to be a plan to help these people and these countries natural resources. In developing countries,
like Brazil, the main cause are big businesses; many businesses take advantage of the lack of
environmental laws to cut down enormous amounts of forest land (Docksai 46). Government and
businesses should both work together to conserve forests and to help stop deforestation. Many
non-profit organizations also help promote eco-friendly farming practices through certification
(Docksai 47). By doing this, these organizations are promoting more businesses to become more
sustainable and profitable. If more businesses follow eco-friendly regulations deforestation could
come to a halt.
Deforestation and the effects it has on the earth cannot be ignored; deforestation has
already caused the climate to change, so it is up to the national governments and businesses to
bring deforestation to a halt and to conserve the forests we still have. Conserving remaining
forests and planting new ones are the only practical solutions to cooling the earth and reversing
the effects of widespread deforestation at this time. Technologies that help cool the earth may
have a bigger role to play in the future, but trees are here to help cool the earth now! Without
incentive from the public, government and businesses will not try to halt deforestation.
Government and businesses are the only ones with the power to bring deforestation to a stop and
to even help regenerate previously lost forests.