# data[].attributes.body
12.2.2018 - Urszula Rodakowska

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
By Urszula Rodakowska

In recent years, conflict between small scale tea plantations and elephants in the Northeast state of India- Assam has exacerbated, and the primary reason behind it, is a decline of forest cover in this area. Assam, a place which has the highest number of wild elephants in India, has witnessed hundreds of human-elephant conflicts. With the rise of inhabitants, forest land has been cleared for tea plantations, destroying wildlife habitats and blocking migration routes. Twenty-three districts of Assam count 56,000 registered small tea growers with the same number of non-registered ones, according to the locals. Officials blame tea gardens for contributing to state's deforestation. As elephants don't eat tea leaves, they are forced to seek for a food and water in other places. Unable to find enough resources to sustain in their old habitats, they decide to venture out close to human villages, where farms and property are being damaged and people are being attacked. Residents describe their life there, as very dangerous because of the fear of being trampled to death. Between 2006 and 2016 almost 800 people were killed by wild elephants in Assam. It is evident that there is a lack of awareness on how to deal with these situations. Accidents of this category mostly occur during the dry season when the animals move out of their habitat in search of food and water. This is a clash with no winners on both sides. According to conservationists, elephants are becoming more aggressive in Assam because their habitats are shrinking and even their natural corridor are being encroached upon. This battle leads to loss of their lives as well. India's surrounding ministry states that 72 elephants had been killed between 2013 and 2014, with greater than 100 killed in 2012. Poaching, rushing trains, poisoning, electrocution are only few reasons of mammals death reported by conservation organisations. To prevent killings of elephants, the forest department increased patrolling along the 29 elephant corridors near railway tracks and set up anti depredation squads. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is also concerned about the recent rise in number of their deaths. As India accounts for nearly 60% of Asian elephants, their death becomes a grave problem. Forests which were the sheltering places and took over one third of Assam's area, turned into tea gardens illegally planted by many small growers. The India Tea Association (which represents most of big tea firms in Assam), reject that accusation of denuding forests, cutting down trees and planting tea. As "forest coverage is in its members' interest".

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Is all the deforestation worth it? - Gair Rhydd

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By Urszula Rodakowska In recent years, conflict between small scale tea plantations and elephants in the Northeast state of India- Assam has exacerbated, and the primary reason behind it, is a decline of forest cover in this area. Assam, a place which has the highest number of wild elephants in India, has witnessed hundreds of ...

# data[].attributes.body
- Pros VS Cons
- Jobs and Human life
- The recourses that can be made out of paper
- Animals
- Killing the world, atmosphere

# data[].attributes.body
The rainforests are under threat

# data[].attributes.body
Alina Bradford - 3.4.2018

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Deforestation can include clearing the land for farming or livestock, or using the timber for fuel, construction or manufacturing.

# data[].attributes.body
Deforestation creates a lack of cultural and biological diversity.
Deforestation is not necessary to create additional agricultural space.
Deforestation can encourage violence.
Deforestation disrupts human cultures.
Deforestation takes advantage of a dwindling resource.
Deforestation encourages flooding and erosion.
Deforestation offers limited profit opportunities.
Deforestation creates changes in weather patterns.
Deforestation does not create usable agricultural space in every circumstance.
Deforestation prevents ongoing research.

# data[].attributes.body
Deforestation creates more usable land for agricultural activities.
Deforestation creates income-earning opportunities.
Deforestation is a job creator.
Deforestation gives us the products that we need.
Deforestation creates tax revenues.
Deforestation can stop urban overcrowding issues.

# data[].attributes.body
It creates more usable space for growth.
It produces more usable material.
It allows for civilization and industrialization.
It creates more job openings.
It allows for the opportunity to graze animals.
It gives us the chance to produce more food.
It allows people to generate more revenue.

# data[].attributes.body
It increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
It further promotes the development of drought.
It focuses only on short-term gains.
It is a limited resource.
It contributes to the extinction of wildlife.
It causes flooding.
It may hinder the production of future medicines.
It only renders a short time to lose all forests.
It introduces countless environmental and community harms.
It causes a domino of unfavorable effects.

# data[].attributes.body
Crystal Ayres - 11.1.2019

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Deforestation is defined as the widespread clearing of trees from a specific parcel of land. The purpose of this process is to create an area of space that can be used for purposes other than forest management. Most deforestation actions occur in tropical rainforests as a way to prepare large swaths of land for farming, plantations, or agricultural pastures.

Although farming is a common cause for deforestation that is often discussed, there are multiple reasons why these actions are taken. Resource extraction, logging, and mining activities all create cash opportunities that the land cannot provide when it is covered with trees. Even though we know the dangers of removing trees from the environment, deforestation activities continue to escalate in the patterns that were first established in the 1960s.

The United Nations estimates that over 18,000,000 acres of forest are lost each year due to these activities. Since 2010, countries like Afghanistan have lost over 70% of their forests due to development efforts.

These are the significant deforestation pros and cons to review.

List of the Pros of Deforestation

1. Deforestation creates more usable land for agricultural activities.
Although recent human population estimates for the year 2050 have been revised downward to about 9 billion people, that means we still must have enough crops grown to feed each person. We must have access to fresh water resources that support human population levels to this extent. One of the ways that we can do that is through the creation of more usable agricultural space.

Removing a forest should never be the first option. The advantage that it gives us is access to the space we need to create the food resources that will support us in the future. If we plant more trees to compensate for the ones that must be harvested to create the space, then we can offset many of the disadvantages that come through this practice.

2. Deforestation creates income-earning opportunities.
There are numerous materials harvested from forests that earn an income for the workers and countries involved. Logging gives us access to timber which is used to build structures. We can work on mineral extraction, oil and gas, and mining activities that generate ongoing income options. When the costs of removing the timber are compared to the profits that can be earned from the resources found in that area, deforestation becomes an economically profitable venture when it is appropriately managed.

3. Deforestation is a job creator.
There are few employment opportunities found in the countries where deforestation takes place most often. Most workers in these regions are trained in agricultural work only. Clearing forests is a way to create logging jobs. The mining opportunities found in the spaces create high wage positions which would not exist otherwise. Even transforming the land into something that produces agricultural products creates more employment options for the region. This process generates an income for families that may not earn anything otherwise.

4. Deforestation gives us the products that we need.
We must sacrifice a lot if we reverse our emphasis on deforestation. Wood pulp that is used to create paper comes from timber taken from these activities at times. We build furniture based on the logging work what happens in the modern forest. Items like rubber, Carnauba wax, and aspirin all have ingredients which are sourced from the rain forest. A better solution would be to utilize responsible harvesting practices instead of attempting to clear cut trees when trying to create new economic opportunities.

5. Deforestation creates tax revenues.
The income generation opportunities provided through deforestation activities do not stop wants the land is cleared. Farming generates crops which can lead to higher levels of taxation on property and products. Mining and oil production work generates revenue that the government can use in other ways too. In the countries were deforestation occurs most often, numerous social programs are funded by work that falls into this category.

6. Deforestation can stop urban overcrowding issues.
Urban sprawl frequently occurs in the countries which feature deforestation activities. By creating new space that is usable for various needs, new communities can begin forming in areas that were once classified as being unusable. This structure makes it possible to reduce the urban population levels by creating new land ownership opportunities which would not exist otherwise. These actions create new chances for economic output, while also reducing the effects of urbanization which also create negative impacts.

List of the Cons of Deforestation

1. Deforestation creates a lack of cultural and biological diversity.
The loss of diversity on our planet is a devastating experience. Many of the scientific discoveries that occurred today are because of research that was based in forests. We can even trace humanities tribal past through the study of ancient rainforests. When we get rid of diversity, that gives rise to a higher risk of mutations forming within plant, animal, and human genomes. More than a dozen genetic mutations and humans are associated directly with incestual activities. When these issues occur, they tend to stick around for centuries, which impacts future generations in unknown ways.

2. Deforestation is not necessary to create additional agricultural space.
The nation of Brazil achieved a 75% reduction in their deforestation activities in 2015. The government then received $1 billion in funding from a project which works to preserve forest lands around the world. We can work together to find alternative solutions for our agricultural leads when we're willing to explore ideas that are outside the box. Norway supports this activity in Brazil because it helps to offset the omissions they generate from oil production. Imagine how we could support additional tree grows by utilizing spaces that receive little attention right now.

3. Deforestation can encourage violence.
The history of reclaiming land from the rainforest in Brazil is one that is extremely violent. Ranchers would hire mercenaries to remove local tribes, trespassers, or anyone who might threaten their deforestation activities. Some tribes of been so devastated by these activities that they are down to just a handful of members. Even when the government tries to protect these groups, the people who want the land for their own purposes use their resources to counter those protective measures. There is a very real threat of genocide with these activities is outside interventions are not possible.

4. Deforestation disrupts human cultures.
Our tribalism may have evolved to be based on borders instead of forests, but it still exists. If we are unwilling to respect the ancient cultures which have not moved to a modern society, then that speaks more about us then it does of them. We cannot substitute patriotism for meaningful social contact with one another. Some of the tribes that lived in these forests seek no contact with the outside world. There may still be hundreds of isolated tribes living in South America and Oceania which reflects the history of humanity's culture.

When we make contact with these people, we destroyed them. It only takes one year for an isolated tried to lose 50% of the remaining members because of the consequences of outside contacts.

5. Deforestation takes advantage of a dwindling resource.
The process of deforestation can only last for so long. We only have a specific number of trees on our planet at any given time. If we continue to cut them down for other purposes, then eventually they will all disappear. At the current rate of deforestation in South America, the Amazon rainforest could be completely gone by the year 2060. An escalation of harvesting activities could make this deadline even sooner. Since only 1% of life on our planet that is believed to live in these environments has ever been studied, we would lose out on numerous potential scientific advances if this outcome we're allowed to be achieved.

6. Deforestation encourages flooding and erosion.
Trees offer stability to the soil. Without their presence, it would not be able to absorb water in the same way it does today. Poor drainage occurs when the land is overworked. This outcome creates higher levels of flooding and erosion because there is nothing left to stop the movement of the water. Then the extra water moves into streams and rivers, which causes downstream flooding for communities hundreds of miles away from where the deforestation activities are taking place.

7. Deforestation offers limited profit opportunities.
The act of deforestation creates limited profits for those who are participating in these activities. The removal of trees creates a tangible cost that limits the economic impact our global society needs. According to information published by the BBC, up to $5 trillion is lost each year because of our effort to remove forests. The total loss we experience financially is the equivalent to almost the entire GDP from all the countries which are participating in deforestation activities in the first place.

8. Deforestation creates changes in weather patterns.
When there are fewer trees filtering carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, then greenhouse gases can accumulate in harmful ways. Drought caused by human activities creates a global impact which limits life on our planet in numerous ways. It limits our ability to grow crops, access water supplies, and meet the basic needs that we have every day. This pollution creates so much harm that over 200,000 people each year just in the United States die because of its influence. We must understand that the frequency and severity of these climate changes are directly tied to tree removal.

9. Deforestation does not create usable agricultural space in every circumstance.
Although deforestation creates more open space, that isn't a guarantee that people have access to usable land. The issue with this word is that most tropical soils are old and weathered. Their nutrient profile does not support crop grows without artificial intervention. Dense vegetation areas, like you would find in a rainforest, increase the acidity level of the soil as well. There are toxic levels of aluminum and iron found in cleared lands. Once you add in the repair costs to alleviate these issues, the financial benefits of clearing the trees might not outweigh the disadvantages that occur when there is less biological diversity.

10. Deforestation prevents ongoing research.
Recent research suggests that up to 70% of the plant life found in rainforests offer the potential of cancer treatment properties. We currently use over 200 plants for the medicines we take today because of the work that was done in the rainforests in previous generations. Not only would we be stopping future medical advancements with our deforestation activities, but we are also eliminating current treatment options for people who are sick.

Vista for station pros and cons make it pretty clear that we cannot continue with the status quo. We must be responsible with our forestry management from here on out. If we are not, then our children and grandchildren will pay the price for our inactivity. We may only have five decades left to fix this problem. That means we must all get started on it today.

Author Bio
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Masters Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Deforestation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Deforestation is defined as the widespread clearing of trees from a specific parcel of land. The purpose of this process is to create an area of space that can be used for purposes other than forest management. Most deforestation actions occur in tropical rainforests as a way to prepare large swaths of land for farming, plantations, or agricultural pastures.

# data[].attributes.body
28.5.2015 - Crystal Ayres

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our planet is covered by more than 10 billion acres of forests, which is over 30% of its entirety. Now, people are cutting them down at a rapid rate (about 15 million acres per year) in a process called deforestation in order to make room for developments, such as roads, buildings and other man-made structures. This has been happening since the early 1990s.

Although deforestation is often thought of negatively, there are some advantages we can get from the practice. Otherwise, it would not be happening, right? What we need to do is to evaluate its benefits against its potential future risks. Will the long-term gains of transforming our lands outweigh the long-term gains of leaving it as it is? By evaluating both the pros and cons of this method, then we can effectively answer this question.

List of Pros of Deforestation

1. It creates more usable space for growth.
One of the main reasons that these forests are being cut down is to make room for expansion. With all of the free areas that are being created from deforestation, things like economy-stimulating businesses and improved road systems can be built.

With 10 billion people expected to be on the planet by 2050 and the never-ending growth explosion in sight, space has become more of a premium necessity on Earth. When there are forests on lands that could be utilized for habitation, then removing them can create more livable space. Commercial establishments and homes will also be built using the products that have been removed from the biome.

2. It produces more usable material.
All of the trees are being cut down to be used for producing lumber and other types of wood product. From the saps to the plants, they can be used to make good paper and many other necessities. For the land itself, it can be used for agricultural purposes.

Considering the products of deforestation, it can certainly provide an economic benefit, both regional and local in many instances. Timber and paper are created for the whole world to enjoy, and some of the toilet paper, which is used in most households, comes at least in some part from deforestation, unless it was created from purely recyclable items.

3. It allows for civilization and industrialization.
If we think of it, wide parts of forests around the world are left unused, which could instead be converted into some more beneficial agricultural sites, which can help feed hundreds or even thousands of people who are starving. A few parts of these lush lands can also be used to make great infrastructures that will help economies boom, hence assisting all the people living in them economically as well.

4. It creates more job openings.
Mostly, the people who are working in a forest clearing have no other job opportunities available to them, which means deforestation is providing workers with the financial resources they need to take care of their families on a regular basis. When a certain forested area is cleared, workers can then settle down and establish a farm, plantation or an industry sector that can help keep income flowing.

5. It allows for the opportunity to graze animals.
Animal grazing is one good way to make deforestation highly useful. With this method, it will be easier for people to find possibly unknown animals that are hiding within the virgin forests or even rediscover those that are declared extinct. This will provide the chance for us to propagate them for the better.

6. It gives us the chance to produce more food.
Developments in crop technologies have resulted in huge volumes of farming yields over the last 2 decades, but it is speculated that this may not be sufficient in the next 2 decades. Fortunately, deforestation can provide enough space to produce enough food for more than 10 billion people who will be hungry in the future.

7. It allows people to generate more revenue.
The process of deforestation creates a strong source of revenue for governments around the world. This helps stimulate many economies, especially in developing countries.

List of Cons of Deforestation

1. It increases carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Plants and trees play a vital role in keeping the planet habitable. As most of us probably know, photosynthesis (a process that happens in plants) filters carbon dioxide gases out of the air and releases oxygen. This means that cutting huge numbers of plants can have a very negative impact on the environment. It will allow green house gases to build up and contributing to global warming.

2. It further promotes the development of drought.
Global warming brings about a lot of unfavorable consequences, including drought, which is already affecting many parts of the world. To mention, deforestation encourages higher levels of water consumption for growing livestock and crops. Instead of having a natural system of moisture recycling forests provide, water goes to food and livestock production, removing it from the natural cycle of life.

3. It focuses only on short-term gains.
According to research, the world is already producing more than 10% of the calories it needs for the entire world population today. In fact, many countries are consuming more than 1,000 calories a day per capita, which is more than the needed amount for proper health. We should take note that, if more food is produced, then people will tend to focus more on short-term gains, instead of meeting long-term needs.

4. It is a limited resource.
Regardless of the many monetary benefits we can get from deforestation at first, these timber profits could go away since there will not be any additional trees being planted to replace those that are harvested. Livestock and farms may not be nearly as profitable as a living, considering the thriving forests on a planetary scale.

5. It contributes to the extinction of wildlife.
The removal of a habitat is often the foundation for the extinction of a species. When forests are cut down, it is not only the trees that are being lost, but also countless amounts of wildlife, such as mammals, birds, insects, amphibians and many other animals that make them their home. With nowhere else for them to go, they will be forced into areas that are not suited for them. In fact, there has been a drastic decline in the amount of wildlife in certain areas that have experienced severe effects of deforestation. In essence, we are removing a piece of ourselves when we no longer allow for animals to exist as they always have.

6. It causes flooding.
We all know that trees and plants play a vital role in absorbing excess ground water by sucking the extra moisture up through their roots and disperse it back into the atmosphere. So, without plants, trees and other plant life, there will be nothing to help regulate the excess water from rain, and the soil will become over saturated. This is one of the main causes of flooding not only in the deforested area, as well as its surroundings.

7. It may hinder the production of future medicines.
Only a small fraction of the forests in the world have been explored by non-tribal humans, and many of the best medicines today have a foundation from items that were secured from these rich lands. Now, deforestation would remove the possibility to study the biome, learn from it and help improve human life for all.

8. It only renders a short time to lose all forests.
Given the rapid rate that forests are being hacked down every day through deforestation, it is a very likely possibility that the planet will lose all rain forests in as little as 100 years. And if this happens, all of the species of plants and animals that are native to them will be lost as well.

9. It introduces countless environmental and community harms.
The abrupt and irreversible consequences of global deforestation can certainly put the existence of human beings and the whole world at risk.

10. It causes a domino of unfavorable effects.
Deforestation can cause a domino effect on the whole planet, including global climate change, indigenous people annihilation and biodiversity extinction. One wrong move, and the process will lead us to an empty and meaningless world. The death of plants and animals can lead to a partial loss of human life.

In conclusion, deforestation, while it may be necessary, will have an extremely negative effect on the environment. Although there are many benefits that can be enjoyed through it, its risks cannot be ignored. Many deforestation efforts focus only on short-term gains and think nothing of the long-term risks and consequences. The cure for a significant number of devastating illnesses could be found in forest areas right now, and deforestation may remove permanently the ability to discover something that could benefit the human race for the coming years.

Deforestation should definitely have its place and should never be overdone? Study shows that an area the size of 20 football fields is lost every 20 minutes! Considering this threat, we can help research about what we can do help slow down this destructive process.

About the Author
Brandon Miller has a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a seasoned writer who has written over one hundred articles, which have been read by over 500,000 people. If you have any comments or concerns about this blog post, then please contact the Green Garage team here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
17 Important Pros and Cons of Deforestation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our planet is covered by more than 10 billion acres of forests, which is over 30% of its entirety. Now, people are cutting them down at a rapid rate (about 15 million acres per year) in a process called deforestation in order to make room for developments, such as roads, buildings and other man-made structures.