Tropical Deforestation Discussion

Tropical deforestation is seen as a recent development in the biological events of the planet, but its impacts are profound. The current episode of tropical deforestation was first identified in the 1950s and has been continually monitored since that time, as it has been acknowledged as contributing to global warming and loss of biodiversity. Historically, there have been several deforestation episodes. Easter Island serves as a standing reminder of an environment subjected to deforestation which lacked the means to regenerate from the devastation. (Ponting, undated).

The tropical forest region lies between 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south of the equator around the globe. These forests are highly diverse biologically and contain many species of both flora and fauna which have not been scientifically categorized or even identified. Tropical regions have a positive effect on the atmosphere and water cycle. Plants and trees in the forest reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air through photosynthesis. Without this process, a carbon dioxide layer can build up in the atmosphere and cause radiation from the sun to become trapped, increasing temperatures. This is also known as the greenhouse effect. As for the water cycle, trees and plants in the forest help to hold water within the soil and in the air. Removing the vegetation results in drier air and contributes to soil erosion. If the current rate of loss continues, no forest will exist within 100 years. It is unknown if tropical deforestation can be stopped or reversed, so that previously vegetated lands maybe reclaimed by the forest.

Primary contributors to deforestation include land clearing by subsistence farmers and commercial agricultural ventures. Both of these groups tend to use the illegal slash and burn method for removing the forest to expose the land, which also contributes to the negative environmental impact. In this method, forests are cut and set aflame to clear the land,...