Deforestation is the loss of forests to make way for other uses. This process is often done through subsistence farming or commercial exploitation, and it is difficult to develop an effective solution. Some forests are protected as indigenous lands, and better management practices for natural resources exist. There is less biodiversity decline and pollution on these lands than on non-indigenous ones. However, recognizing such lands is a political issue. Governments are often reluctant to give up their title, as it opens the door for commercial exploitation.
Agricultural expansion
The two main drivers of deforestation are agricultural expansion and forest destruction. Both processes require clearing forests to make way for other land uses. Agricultural expansion, in particular, impacts tropical forests. By 2050, global demand for agricultural products is expected to increase by more than 50%, and tropical countries will need to meet much of that demand. Between 1995 and 2007, agricultural land in developed countries decreased by 412 million ha (34%), while growing cropland in developing countries increased by 400 million ha (17.1%). Moreover, developing countries expanded their permanent croplands by 10.5% during the current decade.
The main drivers of agricultural expansion and deforestation are declining crop productivity and the growing demand for food. However, there are ways to reduce pressure on forests by improving existing farm activities, reallocating resources, and introducing more appropriate farming technologies. These measures can help reduce pressure on forests while also raising farmer incomes.
Conflict
Deforestation rates in four countries increased dramatically in the aftermath of a civil war. In Sri Lanka, Peru, and the Ivory Coast, deforestation rates jumped by as much as 31.5 per cent, on average. In Nepal, deforestation rates increased by 32.8 per cent. The world average deforestation rate is 7.2 per cent.
Conflicts arising due to deforestation often result from a lack of effective conflict management capacity. The first step to preventing these conflicts is to address the root causes of the problem. In cases where local communities lack the political will to resolve a dispute, bringing in a third party may be necessary to negotiate a deal. In Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia, mediation has proved to be a helpful tool in transforming forest conflicts. The role of mediators in such situations is to build trust between conflicting parties and help facilitate the process of solving problems.
Climate change
The global warming caused by climate change has already begun to affect forests. The process of deforestation can lead to a shift in the geographic range of species. The loss of forest cover may increase the temperature by up to 8degC immediately. This warming effect may last up to 50km from the deforested area.
Deforestation is an important contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It accounts for about one-fifth of global emissions. Deforestation is particularly severe in tropical regions. In addition, deforestation erodes the ability of the land to absorb carbon. This reduces rainfall patterns and can increase drought in the Amazon rainforest.
REDD
REDD stands for Reducing Degradation and is a global effort to reduce deforestation and related impacts. The reduction of deforestation and degradation produces benefits for countries and the environment. The benefits are measured against a baseline, which can be set in many ways. For example, it can be a business-as-usual scenario, or it can be an extrapolation of deforestation rates in the past. The benefits will depend on how much deforestation has been reduced and how reliable the estimate is.
REDD initiatives have been controversial. Some have argued that the scheme is not a viable solution, while others say it is necessary to develop sustainable forests. Some critics have argued that REDD payments weaken forest-dependent communities’ land and resource rights. Furthermore, the program’s complex links with agriculture raise concerns that it could threaten the food supply.
Remote sensors
Deforestation detection can be accomplished with a remote sensor that collects images of the forest. The data can be analyzed using time series analysis, a common method for monitoring forest cover dynamics. This type of analysis makes use of satellite images taken at regular intervals.
These data are useful for detecting deforestation because they allow for detailed analysis of forests, including the carbon content of these forests. Deforestation is a major environmental issue, and a good remote sensor can help prevent it. The sensor used in the study was a lidar sensor, which uses laser light to measure distance. The sensor is not sensitive enough to detect deforestation, but it can accurately identify the forest type, the density of trees, and other characteristics. The new sensor will provide high-resolution data on the biomass of forests, which will help scientists understand the carbon implications of cutting down forests.
Habitat destruction
Deforestation and other land-use practices alter the habitat of animals and plants, resulting in habitat fragmentation. This can occur on land or in water, isolating species from one another and their food sources. Habitat fragmentation can also lead to the extinction of native species.
Habitat destruction can affect the survival of many species, reducing their capacity to adapt to climate change. Clear-cutting and other forms of deforestation reduce the availability of suitable habitats. As a result, many tropical forest areas are disconnected from each other, leaving these regions more vulnerable to climate change. Moreover, clearing trees reduces the space available to animals for feeding, breeding, and shelter.
Biodiversity loss
The term “biodiversity loss” refers to the declining numbers of living species. This diversity is measured in terms of genetic variability, different levels of biological organization, and natural patterns in ecosystems. The United Nations has warned that as many as a million species are at risk of extinction. Some researchers have even spoken of the sixth mass extinction. The cause of biodiversity loss is largely human activity, including habitat destruction and pollution. Moreover, climatic changes are increasing. These changes affect species distribution, population dynamics, community structure, and ecosystem function.
Deforestation causes biodiversity loss by destroying the environment. Tropical forests are home to some of the world’s richest biodiversity. But as a result of deforestation, they are disappearing at an alarming rate. The total area of tropical forests is projected to shrink by 420 million hectares by 2020 – approximately the size of Scotland and Wales combined. Tropical forests provide shelter, food, and water for thousands of species.
