There are a couple different types of causes of deforestation. There are direct causes, which include agriculture, grazing, mining, etc… There are also indirect causes, such as logging. This isn’t a direct cause because only certain trees are selected to be cut down. That being said, it is still a form of deforestation since there is still measurable forest loss. There are even more indirect causes of deforestation, like land rights, corruption, governance, etc… While these might seem like small issues, they can lead to people clearing forests without permission wherever they want, whether the area is protected or not. Some recommended solutions include educating others, improving governance, recognizing land rights and boundaries of independent communities, and many more. By acknowledging the problems and causes of deforestation, we can better understand the importance of protecting our forests and respecting already protected areas as well as creating more (Butler).
Deforestation has been happening for a long time, but it’s easier to notice within the past couple hundred years. The fields our food comes from today, or the roads we drive to go to a friend’s house may have previously been a forest. While we can’t make those forests grow back instantly, we can prevent more trees from being cut down and save the forests that are remaining. Currently, most of the deforestation happening occurs in the tropics in rainforests like the Amazon. Not only are threats being posed to the forests, like agriculture and styles of farming, but the decaying trees pose threats to the environment. Trees collect carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis, which is stored in the tree and is released when it is cut down. As more and more trees are removed, more carbon dioxide is released. Not only are the lungs and filters of the world being taken away, but they are being replaced by carbon dioxide which pollutes the air. This is a major problem, but thankfully, according to National Geographic, “While deforestation can be permanent…forests in many areas are returning thanks to conservation efforts” (“Deforestation”).