PHYS100Collier

Deforestation

HYpothesis

Deforestation is the most destructive action caused by humans

DEFORESTATION, is the clearing or thinning of forests by humans

(Pimm)

Deforestation's Impact on Earth and on Earth's Systems

1. Alters weather patterns
2. Destroys habitats
3. Negativly affects rural communites which leads to food insecurity
4. Irreversible damage to ecosystems

(Igini)

Deforestation's Impact on Land Masses

1. Removing trees deprive forrests of their natual canopy that protects from UV rays and also holds the heat at night which can be destructive to plants and animals 2. Zoonotic Diseases( Animal diseases that spread to humans)

(Nunez)

How does Deforestation affect our water and water systems?

1. "Evaporation levels are disrupted drying up the moisture in the air and throwing off the balance of the water cycle"(Dhaliwal.) 2. Can cause changes to climate

(Dhaliwal)

What Longterm Effects do Deforestation have on Earth?

1. Irreversable climate damage 2. Increase in greenhouse gases 3. Increased risk for Malaria and other zoonotic diseases. 4. Food Insecurity 5. Soil Erosion 6. Flooding 7. Habitat Loss 8. Acidic Oceans 9. Wildlife Extinction

(The Human League)

How Does Deforestation Effect our oceans?

The simple answer is deforestation effects the acidity in our oceans and other bodies of water.

"Healthy forests have the ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere — what is often referred to as a “carbon sink.” Thus, deforestation is another major contributor to atmospheric CO2. When forests are cut down, we not only lose important repositories that breathe in and sequester atmospheric carbon. If timber is burned or even left to rot, carbon once stored in the felled trees is also released. A significant amount of carbon is stored below ground in the soil and roots as well, and this too can be released following the disturbance of deforestation."

(Cardinal)

What does Deforestation do to our atmosphere and Atmospheric Systems

1.Less trees to clean the air 2.Less oxygen produced 3.Less Carbon Dioxide is removed 4.Tempratures are rising

(Curley)

Viable Soloutions

When you need to print, print your paper double-sided Look for secondhand options before buying brand-new pencils and notebooks Take paperless notes Recycle responsibly based on your local guidelines Seek out products made from recycled material whenever possible

(Boyd)

For every tree cut down we need to be planting twice as many to replenish our supply as well as making recycling mandatory across all nations.

Proposed Soulution

In conclusion, It is obvious that if we do not slow down on deforestation there will be serious consequences. From climate change to the air disappearing from our lungs. One thing is very clear. At this point in time we as a species have an oppurtunity to right our wrongs and help our planet. We can choose to keep destroying it or we can choose to do what is best for our planet and future generations of people. Deforestation affects all systems of our enviroment in one way or another. This is why I believe that deforrestaion is the most destructive action caused by humans.

Conclusion

REFERENCES

Boyd, A. (2022, November 7). 6 Solutions to Deforestation and What You Can Do. Utopia. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://utopia.org/guide/6-solutions-to-deforestation-and-what-you-can-do/

Cardinal, K. (n.d.). Forests Reduce Ocean Acidification and Climate Change. The Nature Conservancy. Retrieved February 25, 2024, from https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/washington/stories-in-washington/forests-reduce-ocean-acidification/

Curley, J. (2018, May 16). Https://sciencing.Com/green-plants-important-environment-6169077.Html#:~:Text=Environment-,How%20Does%20Deforestation%20Affect%20the%20Air%3F,-%E2%80%A2%E2%80%A2%E2%80%A2. Sciencing. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://sciencing.com/green-plants-important-environment-6169077.html

Dhaliwal, B. (2023, February 8). How Deforestation Affects the Water Cycle. EarthDay.Org. Retrieved February 11, 2024, from https://www.earthday.org/how-deforestation-affects-the-water-cycle/

"EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION ON HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT. "(September 20, 2021.) The Human League. Retrieved February 18, 2024, from https://thehumaneleague.org/article/effects-of-deforestation

Igini, M.( 2023,April 6)How Does Deforestation Affect the Enviroment? Earth.ORG.Retrieved January 28,2024, from https://earth.org/how-does-deforrestation-affect-the-enviroment/ Pimm,S.L.(n.d) Deforestation. Britannica Retrieved January21, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/science/deforestation

Nunez, C. (2022, December 7). Why deforestation matters—And what we can do to stop it. National Geographic. Retrieved February 4, 2024, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/deforestation/