Deforestation Class 8th Science

Deforestation 

(Class 8th Science) 

 Forests provide living beings many things such as oxygen, shelter, job, food and so on. Many products which are used in our day-to-day life such as paper, wood, rubber are also provided by forests. 

Other than that Forests also act as a barrier between harsh winds and areas where humans live. Forests also prevent floods by slowing down the movement of water.

Forests provide us so much and help us in soo many ways but what if they get wiped out from earth. Decreasing if trees and forests is called Deforestation.

What is Deforestation?

Deforestation means cutting down of forests and using that land for other purposes.

 Deforestation is major threat to the survival of many organism because forests are essential for the well being and survival of many animals including humans because of some of many reasons listed above. 

Causes of Deforestation

Deforestation can be caused by a number of factors such as :-

*Agricultural Expansion

Agricultural Expansion refers to the conversion of uncultivated land into crop land. 

* Logging

Logging means cutting down trees and using it's wood for commercial purposes. The extracted woods are then used to make furniture, houses, paper, paper products etc.

*Mining

Mining means extracting valuable minerals from earth. Many forests which contain these minerals often get cut down to make mines and roads to transport the mineral. Mining also causes chemical pollution which is harmful for the forest.

*Urbanisation 

Forests are cut down to expand urban areas. The land can be used to make building, factories or to set up industries.

*Wildfire

Wildfire is an uncontrolled and unplanned fire in forests or other wild areas. Wildfire can be caused by a number of reasons such as unattended campfires, burning of debris(rubbish or remains),  global warming, lightning, cigarette stubs, negligently used fire related equipment etc. Wildfire can also be caused intentionally by other people for land clearing etc.

Consequences/Effects of deforestation

Deforestation is a major threat to biodiversity as deforestation destroys it and disturbs the balance in nature. The temparature and pollution level on earth is increased. Because of the lesser amount of trees, Carbon dioxide (CO²) in atmosphere is also increased  which leads to global warming and green house effect. Increased temparature on the earth may disturb water cycle and rainfall. As there are lesser trees to hold water, ground water level gets lowered. Soil fertility will start to decrease and it will become difficult to grow new plants which will lead to drought and desertification. Moreover, there will be increased chances of natural calamities such as floods. 

Prevention of Deforestation

Deforestation can be prevented by

*Planting new trees

*Recycling paper

*Raising awareness

*Supporting organisations protesting against deforestation

*Making strict forest laws

*Reporting illegal logging 

*Using less paper

Etc.