Nearly 70,000 acres of tropical rainforest are lost every day across the world – that’s an area of forest the size of London lost every week, or roughly one football pitch every two seconds, posing a huge threat to wildlife and people, as well as creating huge ramifications thanks to the rapid global warming it causes.
What is deforestation?
Deforestation is the act of intentionally permanently clearing forested land.
This includes clearing the land for agriculture, timber and fuel, as well as construction and manufacturing.
A lot of these practices are often done illegally, with little being done to control those who take part.
It has long taken place throughout history, and has greatly altered landscapes – America is thought to have once been around 90 percent forested, and is now currently 34 percent forested.
How can deforestation be stopped?
While efforts to stop deforestation are being taken on by various Governments and charities through campaigns and legislation, there are a few things you can do at home to help decrease its effectiveness, according to theworldcounts.com
You can contribute to the efforts against deforestation by doing these easy steps:
1. Plant a Tree where you can.
2. Go paperless at home and in the office.
3. Buy recycled products and then recycle them again.
4. Buy certified wood products. Read the labels and look for the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) mark.
5. Support the products of companies that are committed to reducing deforestation. It’s all about business. If you don’t buy, they will be encouraged to improve their practices.
6. Raise awareness in your circle and in your community.
7. Buy only what you will use.
8. Don’t use Palm Oil or products with Palm Oil.