Forest Problems and Solutions to Reverse/Restore the Forest

Forests cover about 30% of the planet, providing vital organic

infrastructure for some of the planet's densest, most diverse collections of life.
They support countless species as well as 1.6 billion human livelihoods, but
deforestation is clearing these essential habitats on a massive scale. And
humans are also responsible for widespread deforestation, clearing millions of
forested acres every year. It can have a negative impact on the environment.
Deforestation is clearing Earth's forests on a massive scale, often resulting in
damage to the quality of the land.

Deforestation drives climate change because of the loss of trees and other
vegetation, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, increased
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and the most dramatic impact is a loss of
habitat for millions of species. Eighty percent of Earth’s land animals and
plants live in forests, and many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys
their homes. forests around the world are under threat from deforestation.
We’re losing 18.7 million acres of forests annually, equivalent to 27 soccer
fields every minute.

According to the most recent State of the World's Forests report by the
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 5.2 million hectares
of forests have been lost in each of the last 25 years, between 1990 and 2016
Imagine if a city like Chicago were to disappear in a single year. Well, this is
happening now with our forests. Every year, the world loses a forest area
similar to the size of this major US city. Another situation is in Amazon
around 17% of the forest has been lost in the last 50 years, mostly due to
forest conversion for cattle ranching. Deforestation in this region is particularly
rampant near more populated areas, roads and rivers, but even remote areas
have been encroached upon when valuable mahogany, gold and oil are
discovered. The consensus of the world’s atmospheric scientists is that about
12% of all man-made climate emissions now comes from deforestation, mostly
in tropical areas.

Ending deforestation is our best chance to conserve wildlife and defend

the rights of forest communities. The most feasible solution to deforestation is
to promote eco forestry which means we carefully manage forest resources by
eliminating clear-cutting to make sure forest environments remain intact. and
promote replanting or tree planting which qualifies restorative measure of
deforestation. The cutting that does occur should be balanced by planting
young trees or green plants to replace older trees felled. According to the
environmental protection agencies, planting trees is a must if we want to save
our planet. Trees not only remove harmful chemicals from the soil, but also
help reduce the greenhouses leading to global warming and deforestation.
Trees combat climate change it absorb CO2 , removing and storing the carbon
while releasing oxygen back into the air. Trees clean the air it absorb odors and
pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur oxide and ozone) and filter
particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees also
provide oxygen, in one year an acre of maturetrees can provide enough oxygen
for 18 people. It also cool the streets of the city by up to 10°F, by shading our
homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor
into the air through their leaves. Trees conserve energy, with three trees placed
strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning
needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our
houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power
plants. Trees help prevent water pollution it reduce runoff by breaking rainfall
thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below the
tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When
mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to
recharge groundwater supplies. Trees shield children from ultra-violet rays.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees
reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to
children on school campuses and playgrounds - where children spend hours
outdoors. Trees provide food, an apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of
fruit per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Aside from fruit for
humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife. Other than that trees help to
heal. Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows
heal faster and with less complications. Children with ADHD show fewer
symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids
concentration by reducing mental fatigue. Trees create economic opportunities
where like fruits harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus
providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management
and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving
qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great
way to develop economic opportunities from trees. Trees has so many benefits
that can create a great impact to our society.

So, start digging immediately if you have the means to plant a tree. It's
high time we take the initiative to save trees. Let's come together to make the
planet greener and healthier by devising effective solutions for deforestation.