The Negative Effects of Deforestation

The Negative Effects of Deforestation

We are destroying our natural resources at an alarming rate by deforestation. Every two seconds, three acres of forest is being destroyed. There are many negative consequences of deforestation, including pollution, soil erosion, malaria epidemics, drought, less oxygen and global warming. As a result of deforestation, half of the world's forests have been demolished, and over 100 plant and animal species go extinct every day. If deforestation continues at the current rate, scientists estimate that 80 to 90 percent of tropical forests ecosystems will be destroyed by the year 2020.

Two of the main causes of deforestation are agricultural expansion and logging. The governments continue to give permits and licenses to corporations, who tear down the forests with disregard as to the epic devastation they are causing. Animals are left to die and go extinct because they lose their source of food and shelter. Indigenous people end up misplaced, hungry, and without shelter; because the forest was their source of food and shelter. Profit is being put before care for life. People need to be made aware, and drastic steps need to be taken to stop this vicious cycle. The governments need to put a ban on deforestation effective immediately, because soon it will be too late.

The harm we are bringing to indigenous people through deforestation is horrendous. There are many negative impacts that are forced upon indigenous people worldwide due to deforestation. Indigenous people are facing diseases, droughts, loss of land, loss of freshwater, and displacement. We take and destroy the native people's land without their consent or approval, with blatant disregard for their well being, and we leave them displaced. This is evil and madness and it must stop! These are human being, our brothers and sisters, and they should be treated with kindness and love. They should be honored and protected, not displaced and disregarded for profit! The animals and plant species should also be honored and protected. If we do not stop deforestation, there will not be any indigenous people left. For example, five Centuries ago, there was approximately ten million Indians living in the Amazonian Forests. Today, there are less than 200,000 Indians remaining. Instead of misplacing indigenous people by tearing down their lands and homes, we need to promote the sustainable products of the forests. This way, the indigenous people can be employed by wild harvesting medicinal plants, fruits, and other goods, instead of our governments and corporations wrongfully taking their lands and destroying them. If we preserve and use the forests for sustainable resources instead of completely destroying them for a quick profit, it would be more beneficial and profitable to everyone in the long run.

In order to stop the negative effects of deforestation, drastic changes must