The Destruction of forests and the consequences that follow

Forests are one of the most important ecosystems on the face of the Earth. However, roughly 30% of the Earth's land is covered by forests that produce 20% of the earth's oxygen. Deforestation is an issue that is destroying the many forests on our planet. I argue that unless we can completely stop deforestation in tropical and monsoon environments, every old growth forest will be converted into farmlands. These abrupt changes will cause widespread destruction of ecosystems and a increase of CO2 levels.

Since the start of mass deforestation, over "45% of original tropical and monsoon forests have been cut down and the remaining trees are being cut down at an average rate of 1% per year or roughly 13,860,00 Hectares (2.471 acre)" (Global Ecology in Human Perspective Ch. 12, Charles H. Southwick). At this rate, all old growth rainforests will be converted into farmland by 2050. Once a old growth forest is gone, the steps towards an unstable environment begin to unfold. The area is turned into farmland; the biodiversity of the area is completely wiped out. The deep roots from the forests are gone and an increase in erosion and tropical diseases, such as "Malaria, Yellow fever, and trypanosomiasis."

The few first world countries like the USA, U.K., and Canada, have begun steps to reduce the effects of deforestation, but it's the many third world countries (Nigeria, Tanzania, Honduras) that are causing the most damage. The stronger nations must teach these nations about safer ways to increase their economy without destroying the environment at the same time.

Pull Quotes:

"45% of original tropical and monsoon forests have been cut down and the remaining trees are being cut down at an average rate of 1% per year or roughly 13,860,00 Hectares (2.471 acre)"

"...all old growth rain forests will be converted into farmland by 2050."