Deforestation: What Causes it & Can We Stop it? 

What Causes Deforestation and Can We Stop it? 

Mass deforestation is an issue that has been prevalent since the dawn of the industrial revolution. Forests play a monumental role in regulating many functions in the environment around us. They help living Mass deforestation is an issue that has been prevalent since the dawn of the industrial revolution. Forests play a monumental role in regulating many functions in the environment around us. They help living creatures thrive and survive by providing clean air, purifying water, and providing food. Our forests are also home to more than three-quarters of the world’s land life and play a critical role in mitigating climate change, as they act as a carbon sponge. They soak in carbon dioxide produced by human civilization that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere to the tune of 2.4 billion metric tons of carbon each year. In fact, the Amazon absorbs a quarter of the total carbon emissions produced globally. However, forests around the world are now under threat from deforestation, putting our climate, wildlife, and air quality at risk. 

What Causes Deforestation? 

Deforestation can happen at an alarming rate, such as when a fire sweeps an area, or a forest is cleared for plantations. While deforestation in some areas is declining, other areas are clearing forests at a rapid pace, such as in Brazil and Indonesia where many of the world’s most valuable forests remain. According to a WWF report, up to 420 million acres of forest could be lost between 2010 and 2030 if current trends continue. As the human population rises, the need for agriculture will also grow. Expanding agriculture is one of the leading causes of deforestation. Palm oil, in particular, is an essential ingredient for products like animal feed, lipstick, and biofuel, and is a resource requiring vast amounts of land to produce. 

Deforestation isn’t just a result of industry, though. Wildfires can sweep millions of square miles and clear entire forests in days. However, industrial deforestation can contribute to the prevalence and intensity of wildfires. Although wildfires are a healthy and natural occurrence, human activity can worsen the impacts and make it more difficult for the forests to recover as nature intended. Wildfires can be especially devastating not only for the surrounding environment but also for our atmosphere, as large amounts of carbon are released into the atmosphere with no way of being filtered by trees. 

What Can We Do to Stop Deforestation? 

Ending deforestation cannot be achieved by one person, city, or even one country alone. The problem is prevalent in societies around the world and is perpetuated by multinational corporations looking to increase profits at the expense of our planet’s climate and biodiversity. With hard work, groups worldwide can help reduce the effects of climate change and prevent further destruction by holding the largest deforesting operations and government entities accountable.  

Even something so small as making sustainable choices in your day-to-day life can help “vote with your dollar” by encouraging companies to recognize consumer trends toward greener solutions. Try to consume products that are sustainably sourced and choose recycled or responsibly produced wood products. Pressure corporations and governments to take action against destructive deforestation for the sake of industry alongside your personal lifestyle changes to do your part toward protecting Earth’s climate. 

Committed to Environmental Protection 

McCune Law Group has been representing individuals and small businesses for more than 30 years. Our team of Environmental and Class Action attorneys will never place profits above results. Our team of Environmental lawyers have a long history of defending communities from the destructive practices of large corporations that have demonstrated little remorse for harming local environments and communities. We’ve recovered more than $1 billion for our clients and have successfully litigated against Fortune 500 companies like Wells Fargo, Hyundai, Toyota, and more.