Issues+and+Background+Info+dwp1

toc

<back to homepage =Deforestation can be caused by either clear cutting or selective cutting.=

Clear cutting is the process of removing all the trees in a specific area at the same time. A few clear cuts can be as small as 5 acres. However large clear cuts can stretch as far from 40-200 acres. In order to make sure the same area produces trees, a reforestation/replanting of trees method, is immediately performed after the clear cut. Clear cuts are very devastating to wildlife in the area, and large clear cuts without proper care would result in soil erosions. The land in the area also has a bigger chance of being contaminated by disease and insects. Clear cutting is usually cheaper than selective cutting, but it has a higher chance of destroying entire ecosystems.

Our organization encourages logging companies to focus more on selective cutting than clear cutting. Selective cutting involves only removing individual trees, leaving more protection for the soil. However, mostly, a reforestation process is not performed after the selective cutting. Selective cutting usually requires more expensive equipment than clear cutting and the work of individuals, which is the reason why some logging companies prefer clear cutting.

The Consequences of deforestation:

 * Climate Change:** Trees absorb about 25% of the world's annual carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, when deforestation occurs, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere causing climate change, and reducing air quality.


 * Poverty:** Many people who live in forests are very dependent on the trees to provide them with shelter, and natural resources. When trees are cut down, it destroys the home of people living in the area, and it forces them to move into another area. About 1 billion people suffer from deforestation.


 * Loss of Species and Natural Resources:** Deforestation destroys the habitat of species living in the area. Drastic effects can occur destroying entire ecosystems. When the soil is more vulnerable to the wind, it creates run-offs into surrounding streams or rivers. Clean freshwater that can be found in tropical rainforests are being contaminated by the soil, limiting the amount of clean water available in the world.

Afforestation:
The process of planting a tree by artificial methods. This can include planting and seeding on land where trees have never grown.

Reforestation:
Reforestation is the process of replanting trees in woodland/forest areas. Reforestation can be done artificially on naturally. Reforestation is usually done right after a clear cut, or selective cut, to protect the soil from the wind, and to provide timber for annual logging.

How to help: [[image:dd.jpg width="193" height="227"]]
1.Plant a tree 2.Recycle 3. Use reusable shopping bags. 4. Don't waste paper 5.Be involved in reforestation activities