Causes and consequences of global deforestation and its environmental impact

Deforestation is a direct consequence of human activities that devastates the forests and jungles of the Earth in a massive way. The damage that this generates is enormous both on a local, regional and even planetary scale.

Today, forests and jungles around the world They still cover 30% of the entire Earth's surface. Yet, large swathes of forest the size of Panama are lost every year due to the clearing of millions of hectares. What are the causes and consequences of this deforestation?

Deforestation of forests and jungles around the world

Human beings need to occupy a territory for their economic activities, such as settlements, industries, agricultural explorations, among others. Year after year, Millions of hectares have been cut down to change land use and extract valuable wood for manufacturing products such as furniture and paper. This rate of deforestation is so rapid that if it continues, tropical rainforests and forests could disappear completely within the next hundred years.

Besides paper, there are many other reasons for cutting down trees. For example, demand for land for crops and livestock has grown rapidly. This is especially true in countries like Brazil, where large areas of the Amazon are being cleared for soy and beef production. Farmers also rely on logging to feed their families, using methods like subsistence farming or the slash and burn system.

Another important source of pressure on forests is the large-scale commercial loggingThis industry provides products for the global pulp and wood market. However, this practice is responsible for the destruction of countless forests annually. Even more serious are illegal logging activities, which often generate major impacts on local ecosystems, affecting both flora and fauna.

Services offered by forests and jungles

Deforestation does not only affect local ecosystems. When forests are cleared to make way for agriculture or urbanization, the Earth's ability to regulate climate and its chemical composition also decreases dramatically. Trees play a crucial role in the production of oxygen, since they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis.

Today, scientists are researching ways to capture and store CO2 to combat climate change, but the most efficient method already exists in nature: our forests and jungles. In addition to regulating the climate, trees also provide habitats for an incredible diversity of species, from mammals to insects. Deforestation destroys these habitats, fragmenting entire ecosystems and disrupting complex biological networks.

Another crucial service that forests provide is the hydrological cycleTrees absorb water through their roots and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration. This cycle helps maintain moisture balance and regulate rainfall, preventing extreme flooding and drought. Clearing forests not only affects the availability of fresh water, but also accelerates the loss of fertile soil. Without the protection of trees, soils become more vulnerable to erosion and lose valuable nutrients.

Relationship between forests and rainfall regime

One of the most important functions of trees is the evapotranspiration, a process by which large quantities of water move from the ground to the atmosphere through the leaves of trees. This cycle is vital for rainfall, as water vapour condenses to form clouds which then produce precipitation. Without the vegetation cover that forests provide, the rainfall regime is severely affected.

When rainfall decreases, the consequences for biodiversity and agriculture are catastrophic. Regions stripped of trees risk becoming deserts, as the soil loses its ability to retain water. Desertification not only affects local flora and fauna, but also endangers human communities by reducing the availability of drinking water.

Main causes of deforestation

The causes of deforestation vary considerably between regions, but the main factors are: agricultural expansion, livestock farming, logging, and fires. In many areas, farmers clear forests to create cropland or pastures for livestock. The growing demand for palm oil, soy, and beef has led to the destruction of vast tracts of tropical forest in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Land use change for agriculture also displaces thousands of species. Forest fires, often deliberately set to clear land, are another important cause and often get out of control, aggravated by climate change and prolonged periods of drought. These fires not only destroy vegetation, but also contribute greatly to CO2 emissions.

Deforestation of the Amazon

The Amazon basin, known as the lungs of the planet, is under constant threat from advancing deforestation. This vast region, which is home to almost 10% of the world's biodiversity, has been subject to massive destruction to make way for livestock farming and agricultural exploitation.

Brazil, the largest South American country, is also the main culprit of deforestation in the region. Extensive cattle ranching and soybean cultivation are the main drivers of logging in the Amazon. Tropical vegetation around the world traps more than 100,000 trees. 200,000 million tons of carbon per year. However, the destruction of these ecosystems means that massive amounts of carbon are released back into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change.

Deforestation in Spain?

In Spain, there has been an increase in forested areas in recent decades. Unlike other regions of the world, Spain has increased its forest cover by 20% over the past hundred years. This is partly due to reduced agricultural pressure as Europe has begun to import a larger proportion of its food.

Although this increase in forest area is a positive sign, it does not always imply that forests are rich in biodiversity. It has been observed, for example, that forests planted for reforestation often lack biological diversity and have low recreational value.

Consequences of deforestation

The effects of deforestation are devastating globally. The loss of forests increases greenhouse gas emissions, intensifying the climate change. Furthermore, deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss. As animal and plant habitats disappear, many species face extinction.

Soil erosion is another significant consequence. Soils devoid of vegetation become more susceptible to erosion, losing essential nutrients for plant growth. In many cases, degraded soils can no longer support agricultural activity, placing increased pressures on remaining forest areas.

Finally, deforestation also affects human communities. It is estimated that around 100 million people live in the 25% of the world's population directly depends on forest resources for its livelihood. Indiscriminate felling of trees can lead to forced migration of indigenous peoples and conflicts over land use.

As the 21st century progresses, combating deforestation has become a crucial challenge in the battle against climate change and the preservation of biodiversity. In addition to local actions, international efforts such as those promoted by the UN seek to promote sustainable management of forest resources and the restoration of damaged areas. To achieve these objectives, collaboration between governments, organizations and society in general is vital.