Deforestation is the permanent loss of forests and woodlands. Tree farms are not included in this definition, since they are farmed rather than naturally occurring. Naturally occurring forests and woodlands cover about 21% of the earth’s land mass. Unfortunately, about 1.8 million square feet of natural forest is being destroyed every minute!

Deforestation is not a naturally occurring event; it is a result of human actions. Most deforestation happening today is in the moist tropical forests. Forests are being cleared for lumber and to provide agricultural space for a growing population. In areas with little or no regulation, deforestation continues unhampered.

Although building materials and home heating account for a portion of the deforestation of our planet, agricultural needs have prompted the clearing and burning of forests. This uncontrolled burning is responsible for millions of tons of carbon gases in the atmosphere as well as the loss of natural habitat for a diverse number of organisms.

Forests work like filters to remove CO2 from the air and store it in the trees. When the trees are burned, huge amounts of CO2 are released into the atmosphere at a rapid pace. These CO2 deposits become greenhouse gases contributing to the problem of global warming. Likewise, bio-diversity suffers as a result of deforestation as entire species are often lost when their unique environment, such as rain forests, are destroyed.

When forests are destroyed to create farm land, the soil does not support agriculture for very long and more land is cleared to create fresh farm land. The previously deforested area then risks desertification. These previously moist forests are no longer moist and the earth’s temperature and humidity are altered. In addition, fewer forests mean fewer CO2 filters and an increase in CO2 gases (which become greenhouse gases).

It is clear that deforestation compounds the danger of global warming. What can we individually do to help stop deforestation?

• Use only lumber from renewable sources for construction projects.
• Use only high-efficiency wood-burning appliances.
• Recycle wood products such as used lumber.
• Boycott wood products from countries that support or allow deforestation
• Become involved with an advocacy group working to stop deforestation

Stopping deforestation is something that requires a global effort. Whenever possible, plant indigenous trees on your property and get involved with groups that plant trees on public land. Use wood products responsibly and recycle rather than burn used wood products.