Climate 101: Deforestation | National Geographic

Summary

Forests, covering 30% of the planet, are crucial for life on Earth, yet deforestation threatens their existence, with rainforests potentially disappearing within a century. This destruction contributes 24% to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change by releasing stored carbon and reducing the absorption of heat-trapping gases. Forests also support over 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, with thousands of species at risk of extinction annually. Agriculture, logging, and urban development are the main culprits. However, managing forest resources, banning clear-cutting, and reforestation efforts can mitigate these impacts and preserve biodiversity.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Forests cover about 30% of the planet and are crucial for supporting life on Earth.
• ⚠️ Deforestation is occurring on a massive scale, with rainforests potentially disappearing within 100 years.
• 🌡️ Deforestation contributes significantly to climate change, accounting for 24% of greenhouse gas emissions.
• 🌳 Trees are important for absorbing greenhouse gases and reducing global warming.
• 🦜 Deforestation leads to habitat loss and a decrease in biodiversity, with thousands of species potentially going extinct each year.
• 🌱 Forests are home to over 80% of terrestrial plants and animals, making them vital for ecological diversity.
• 🐄 Agriculture is the primary driver of deforestation, with trees being cleared for crops and livestock.
• 🏗️ Logging operations and urban development also contribute to forest destruction.
• 🌱 Efforts to manage forest resources and replace removed trees can help mitigate deforestation's environmental impact.
• 🌿 Combating deforestation is essential to prevent further loss of biodiversity and protect the planet's ecosystems.

Q & A

What percentage of the planet is covered by forests?

Forests cover about 30% of the planet.

How do forests contribute to supporting life on Earth?

Forests create ecosystems that play an essential role in supporting life on Earth.

What is the current rate of deforestation, and when might the world's rainforests disappear?

Deforestation is clearing Earth's forests on a massive scale, and at the current rate, the world's rainforests could completely disappear within 100 years.

Why is deforestation a concern in terms of greenhouse gas emissions?

Together, forestry and agriculture are responsible for 24% of greenhouse gas emissions, making deforestation a significant contributor to climate change.

In what two ways does deforestation impact the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

Deforestation impacts the amount of greenhouse gases by releasing stored carbon when trees are felled and by reducing the trees' critical role in absorbing greenhouse gases.

How does deforestation affect global warming?

Fewer forests mean larger amounts of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere, leading to increased speed and severity of global warming.

What role do forests play in providing habitats for plants and animals?

Forests provide habitats for over 80% of the plants and animals that live on land.

What is the estimated number of rainforest species that go extinct each year due to deforestation?

It is estimated that four to six thousand rainforest species go extinct each year due to deforestation.

How does deforestation impact the people who rely on forests for food and shelter?

Deforestation affects the more than two billion people who rely on forests as sources of food and shelter.

What is the biggest driver of deforestation?

The biggest driver of deforestation is agriculture, where farmers chop down trees to plant crops or make room for livestock.

What are some efforts being made to reduce the environmental impact of deforestation?

Efforts such as managing forest resources, eliminating clear-cutting, and planting new trees to replace those removed are being made to reduce deforestation's environmental impact.

How can combating deforestation help prevent further loss of biodiversity?

Combating deforestation can help prevent further loss of biodiversity by preserving habitats and ecosystems that are crucial for the survival of many plant and animal species.