The Outlook of Deforestation
As deforestation becomes a worsening worldwide battle,
scientists predict that there are many outcomes to the battle.
Though levels of deforestation have fluctuated in years past,
in 2020, deforestation levels increased by nearly 12%. This has increased
concerns over what the future holds for the forests.
scientists predict that there are many outcomes to the battle.
Though levels of deforestation have fluctuated in years past,
in 2020, deforestation levels increased by nearly 12%. This has increased
concerns over what the future holds for the forests.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions will worsenWith trees absorbing much of the carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere, destroying them only reduces the amount of emissions absorbed. If we do not do anything to curb the effects of deforestation, our carbon sinks will eventually become our carbon sources.
As determined by the Center for Global Development, by losing extreme numbers of forests, they will release 1/6 of the maximum amount of carbon that we can emit before we risk dangerous climate change. |
Deforestation is one of the largest carbon-dioxide emitters, accounting for nearly 15% of global CO2 emissions."
McKinsey, 2020 Source: Coalition for Rainforest Nations
Forests will disappearAs deforestation worsens, we are unable to replant as quickly as the trees are getting destroyed. Scientists estimate that by 2030, there may only be 20% of the world's rainforests left.
In addition, the Center for Global Development determined in 2015, that by 2050, an area of tropical forests over 1 million square miles will just disappear from Earth's surface. |
The number of natural disasters will increaseWith an increasing number of forests disappearing off of Earth, natural disasters will continue to worsen. The longer we wait, the more likely trees will go up in flames, which will soon cause the climate to worsen.
With temperatures increasing every year, climates will soon become warmer and drier. Following these drier climates, higher temperatures, more floods, and more droughts will occur. |
Mass Extinction could occurForests hold over 2/3 of the world's species and biodiversity. As more trees are removed, greater numbers of species begin to battle loss of habitat, food and water as their homes are destroyed.
Global biodiversity and species losses will eventually turn into a mass extinction event as the deforestation continues. With over 14,000 tree species residing in the Amazon Rainforest, the disappearance of the trees will leave them without a home. |
Worsening Climate Change As more carbon dioxide emissions are released into the atmosphere. Those emissions build up in the ozone layer, causing heat on Earth to grow.
In places like the Amazon Rainforest, the World Wild Life Foundation predicts that by 2050, temperatures will increase by 2-3 degrees Celsius, or around 3.6-5.4 degrees Fahrenheit. These increased temperatures could lead to anywhere between 3-60% of the Amazon Rainforest becoming a dry savanna. |
Learn more about the Outlook
Works Cited:
“The Future of Forests.” Center For Global Development, 24 August 2015, https://www.cgdev.org/media/future-forests. Accessed 15 January 2022.
“Understanding Deforestation.” Coalition for Rainforest Nations, 13 May 2021, https://www.rainforestcoalition.org/understanding-deforestation/. Accessed 15 January 2022.
“Climate change in the Amazon.” World Wildlife Fund, n.d., https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/amazon/amazon_threats/climate_change_amazon/. Accessed 15 January 2022.
“The Future of Forests.” Center For Global Development, 24 August 2015, https://www.cgdev.org/media/future-forests. Accessed 15 January 2022.
“Understanding Deforestation.” Coalition for Rainforest Nations, 13 May 2021, https://www.rainforestcoalition.org/understanding-deforestation/. Accessed 15 January 2022.
“Climate change in the Amazon.” World Wildlife Fund, n.d., https://wwf.panda.org/discover/knowledge_hub/where_we_work/amazon/amazon_threats/climate_change_amazon/. Accessed 15 January 2022.