Forests once covered half of the Earth’s landmass. Now they cover less than one tenth. The UN has declared 2011 the International Year of Forests to better protect the planet’s lungs.

we destroy 130,000 square kilometers of the world's forests every year, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Conversion to agricultural land, timber production, and urbanization are the main culprits.

It is acceptable that because of increase in human population some conversion of forests to agriculture and other purposes is acceptable but wanton destruction of forests without planning will have disastrous effects on population.

 

Factors causing deforestation   Increase in of population, has led to the

encroachment on forest land for agriculture fuel and fodder.

For many developmental activities. E.g. Dams, reservoirs, industrial estates, roads, railway lines etc. forests areas are being utilized.

Intense human pressure on forests for timber and for grazing purpose

To carry out the mining activities. To supply various raw materials for

industries. Cleaning the natural forests for plantation

farming. To earn foreign exchange by exporting forest

products

Insufficient technical equipment to control forest fire.

Failure to involve tribal and local communities in the preservation and augmentation of forest resources.

Destruction of the forest due to insects and pest.

Illicit trade.

Effects of deforestation

Soil erosion will take place Sediments will be drained off. Siltation of reservoirs and riverbeds. Increase in the frequency and dimension of

floods and droughts

Intensification of green house effects. Increase in the destructive force of the

storms. Decrease in the supply of raw materials and

timber. Marked decrease as fodder to animals.

Intensification of green house effects. Increase in the destructive force of the

storms. Decrease in the supply of raw materials and

timber. Marked decrease as fodder to animals.