Causes of deforestation:
Deforestation is typically done to make more land available for housing and urbanization, timber, large scale cash crops such as soy and palm oil, and cattle ranching. The World Wildlife Fund reports that much of the logging industry that contributes to deforestation is done illegally (about half of it used for firewood).
Common methods of deforestation are burning trees and clear cutting, which is the controversial practice of complete removal of a given tract of forest. A forestry expert quoted by the Natural Resources Defense Council describes clear cutting as "an ecological trauma that has no precedent in nature except for a major volcanic eruption."
Burning can be done quickly, in vast swaths of land for plantation use, or more slowly with the slash-and-burn technique. This destructive practice entails cutting down a patch of trees, burning them, and growing crops on the land until the soil becomes too degraded from overgrazing and sun exposure for new growth. Then, the farmers move on to a new patch of land.
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Deforestation is typically done to make more land available for housing and urbanization, timber, large scale cash crops such as soy and palm oil, and cattle ranching. The World Wildlife Fund reports that much of the logging industry that contributes to deforestation is done illegally (about half of it used for firewood).
Common methods of deforestation are burning trees and clear cutting, which is the controversial practice of complete removal of a given tract of forest. A forestry expert quoted by the Natural Resources Defense Council describes clear cutting as "an ecological trauma that has no precedent in nature except for a major volcanic eruption."
Burning can be done quickly, in vast swaths of land for plantation use, or more slowly with the slash-and-burn technique. This destructive practice entails cutting down a patch of trees, burning them, and growing crops on the land until the soil becomes too degraded from overgrazing and sun exposure for new growth. Then, the farmers move on to a new patch of land.
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What are the major causes of deforestation in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Developing countries like Nigeria rely heavily on wood fuel, the major energy source for cooking and heating. Illegal and destructive logging and mining practices are heavy hitters in deforestation and degradation of the sub Saharan land. Land tenure and increasing population are also a major cause of deforestation. One of the major causes of deforestation in sub Saharan Africa today is clearing of the forests for agricultural uses. Growing populations need more agricultural land or better farming practices to support them. Sub Saharan African people do not have the means or funds for better way of farming. they rely on quantity not quality. If they produce enough crops they will still have enough or food after losing the majority to pets and rodents. Another cause of deforestation in sub Saharan Africa is illegal logging companies. Big companies can get away with the practice of illegal logging and mining because of the state of sub Saharan Africa's government. In an all but lawless area big companies take advantage of the situation and come out making a hefty profit.
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Developing countries like Nigeria rely heavily on wood fuel, the major energy source for cooking and heating. Illegal and destructive logging and mining practices are heavy hitters in deforestation and degradation of the sub Saharan land. Land tenure and increasing population are also a major cause of deforestation. One of the major causes of deforestation in sub Saharan Africa today is clearing of the forests for agricultural uses. Growing populations need more agricultural land or better farming practices to support them. Sub Saharan African people do not have the means or funds for better way of farming. they rely on quantity not quality. If they produce enough crops they will still have enough or food after losing the majority to pets and rodents. Another cause of deforestation in sub Saharan Africa is illegal logging companies. Big companies can get away with the practice of illegal logging and mining because of the state of sub Saharan Africa's government. In an all but lawless area big companies take advantage of the situation and come out making a hefty profit.
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What are some solutions for deforestation?
You don't have to live in the middle of a rain forest to do your part in preventing deforestation. Below are a few suggestions to consider when you are interested in preserving the amount of forests located in the rest of the world. One easy way to combat deforestation is to plant a tree. But you can take it one step further by making sure the choices you make at home, at the store, at work, and on the menu don’t contribute to the problem. Here’s what you can do about deforestation:
You don't have to live in the middle of a rain forest to do your part in preventing deforestation. Below are a few suggestions to consider when you are interested in preserving the amount of forests located in the rest of the world. One easy way to combat deforestation is to plant a tree. But you can take it one step further by making sure the choices you make at home, at the store, at work, and on the menu don’t contribute to the problem. Here’s what you can do about deforestation:
- plant tree
- pick up rubbish
- choose wisly @ super market
- recycle paper
- look for the FSC sticker on wood products
- bye recycled things
- go paperless for a week
- grow veggies
- Use Recycled Items
- Tree Care