Effects
Deforestation also has profound impacts on the
environment and human societies. According to the Sheridan College
Library, deforestation results in major changes in use and cover land,
affecting the global carbon cycle and contributing to greenhouse gas
emissions
- Loss
of Biodiversity:
Deforestation destroys habitats for millions of species, causing the extinction of plants, animals, and microorganisms that depend on forests to survive. This loss of biodiversity can upset ecosystems and make them less able to handle environmental changes - Climate
Change:
Trees realise carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. When plants are cut down, the saved CO2 is released adding to global warming. Without trees, the Earth can't absorb as much CO2, making climate change worse - Soil
Erosion:
Trees and plants help hold soil in place. The soil becomes loose and can easily be washed or blown away, when forests are removed. A study in the Lake Kivu Basin (D.R. Congo-Rwanda) showed that deforestation increases soil erosion, which affects farmland and water bodies - Water Cycle
Disruption:
Forests help control the water cycle by maintaining soil water balance. Deforestation can mess up this balance, causing less rainfall, changing river flows, and increasing the risk of floods and droughts - Impact on
Indigenous Communities:
Many native groups depend on forests for their way of life and culture. Deforestation forces them out, destroys their traditional knowledge and practices, and harms their social and economic well-being (Healey, 2020). - Economic
Consequences:
Deforestation may bring short-term economic benefits, but the long-term effects can be harmful, leading to high economic costs and affecting the sustainability of economies - Health Impacts:
Deforestation can lead to the appearance of new illnesses by disrupting habitats and increasing human-wildlife interactions. It can also contribute to poor air quality and respiratory problems due to increased dust and pollutants from soil erosion and fires