Forests are plant formations essential for life on Earth. In addition to being sources of food, shelter, fuel, clothing and medicine for many populations, more than 1,6 billion people depend to varying degrees on these ecosystems. Forests provide us with goods and services essential to the balance of the planet, playing a vital role in climate regulation and in preserving biodiversity.
According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), 60 million indigenous peoples depend directly on forests, while 300 million people live in areas adjacent to them. These ecosystems are home to a vast biodiversity, offering refuge to countless animal and plant species, some of which do not survive outside this habitat.
The role of forests in CO2 fixation
One of the key functions of forests is the fixation of CO2. 40% of terrestrial carbon is stored in vegetation and forest soils, underlining their importance in mitigating climate change. Forests act as large carbon sinks, helping to offset industrial emissions. However, deforestation upsets this balance, releasing large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.
Emissions from deforestation are alarming. According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) Report, deforestation is responsible for approximately 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a significant percentage in the fight against global warming.
Dramatic change in the extent of forests
Four centuries ago, about two-thirds of the Earth was covered by forests. Today, this percentage has been drastically reduced. By 2005, a global survey revealed that the total forest area was 3,69 billion hectares, or 30% of the world's land surface.
According to the World Resources Institute, 80% of the original forest area has been destroyed or degraded, especially in the last 30 years. This type of loss and degradation significantly affects ecosystems and the services that forests provide to human societies.
Main causes of deforestation
Deforestation is a process generally induced by human actions. The main causes include:
commercial agriculture: It is one of the main causes of deforestation worldwide, especially in tropical areas. The expansion of crops such as soybeans and palm oil has led to massive forest clearing. In Latin America, livestock farming and intensive agriculture, particularly of soybeans, are the main drivers. In Asia, the production of palm oil and paper pulp has contributed significantly to the loss of forest areas.
Illegal logging:Although there are regulations to control forest exploitation, illegal logging remains one of the greatest threats to these ecosystems. It not only destroys the habitat of numerous species, but also irreversibly degrades important forest areas.
Forest fires: Many wildfires are started intentionally or through negligence. Fire is used as a tool to clear agricultural or forest land and its frequency has increased with the intensification of climate change. Areas affected by fires often fail to fully recover, leaving the land vulnerable to future exploitation.
Urban and mining expansion: The growth of cities and infrastructure, as well as mining activity, are contributing alarmingly to deforestation in remote areas. These developments not only destroy the forest ecosystem, but also pollute nearby water resources.
Consequences of deforestation
The effects of deforestation go beyond the loss of trees. The main consequences are:
- Biodiversity loss: The disappearance of forests means the destruction of the habitat of many species that cannot survive elsewhere. This leads to the extinction of animal and plant species, altering ecosystems irreversibly.
- Desertification: The disappearance of trees leaves the soil unprotected. Erosion and loss of nutrients quickly turn fertile land into desert, making it impossible for vegetation to grow again.
- CO2 emissions: When trees are cut down, the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Tropical forests, which once acted as carbon sinks, are now net emitters due to massive deforestation.
In addition to these impacts, deforestation also contributes to the emergence of new zoonotic diseases. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the relationship between biodiversity loss and disease transmission between animals and humans.
How to prevent deforestation
To combat deforestation effectively, it is crucial to take immediate action involving different actors. The most common initiatives include:
- Reforestation and afforestation: Many reforestation programs are helping to restore affected ecosystems. Although not all ecosystems can be fully recovered, planting native species and protecting vulnerable areas is essential.
- Agroforestry: This method combines trees with agriculture, improving agricultural productivity and reducing environmental impact. This practice not only improves soil quality, but also provides shade and protection for crops.
- Sustainable certifications: Products with certifications such as FSC or Rainforest Alliance ensure that they are produced sustainably, without contributing to deforestation.
- education and awareness: Informing consumers about the importance of sustainable products is key. Reducing paper use and purchasing products certified with eco-labels are simple but effective actions.
The role of governments and international policies
Governments are key players in the fight against deforestation. By implementing stricter legislation and adopting international policies, significant change can be achieved. In the COP26, more than 100 countries have committed to halting and reversing deforestation by 2030. At the local level, stricter regulations are needed to prohibit activities such as illegal logging and promote reforestation and afforestation practices.
An example of effective legislation is the initiative of the European Union which requires companies to provide detailed reports on how their activities affect deforestation. This initiative seeks to increase corporate accountability and foster transparency in supply chains.
It is also essential to support indigenous communities, who have proven to be the most effective guardians of forests. These communities have a deep knowledge of natural cycles and the resources that forest ecosystems provide.
Deforestation is, without a doubt, one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century. Although there are efforts by governments and international organizations to mitigate its impact, it is necessary to continue strengthening collective actions, both at the political and individual level.