The Harmful Effects of Deforestation on Trees

Deforestation was originally meant to help control the population of trees in certain areas. However, it has been proven that it does more harm than good. The environment is currently in a state of chaos, in part because of deforestation. Losing more trees than necessary due to deforestation creates ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.

Environmental Changes

• A significant effect of deforestation is a rapid change in temperature. Forests naturally cool down the surrounding land, so when deforestation occurs, the temperature rises to a sometimes uncomfortable level. Additionally, trees help to retain moisture in the air; when they are cut down, rain levels are severely affected. This, in turn, changes weather patterns, which leads to other environmental concerns.

Global Climate Changes

• Deforestation contributes to global warming. Trees protect the Earth from the sun's harmful rays, so that when they are cut down, the land becomes warmer. This change can affect land masses for miles around the deforested area. Oxygen depletion is also a harmful side effect stemming from global climate changes.

Water Table Changes

• With the changes in the global climate, the water table is also severely affected. Because rainfall is severely limited by deforestation, the underground water table is not regularly replenished and the water supply begins to dry up. This hinders the growing of crops, which affects the food supply.

Biodiversity

• Deforestation also diminishes biodiversity. Many animals native to forests either die or relocate to flat lands to make new homes. When animals relocate to flat lands, however, humans can then hunt them more easily. Several plant species have also become extinct due to deforestation. Activists have been pushing for reforestation projects to help save plant and animal species.