Deforestation in the Congo Basin
By: First, Pro
The purpose of our blog is to raise awareness about one of the most important things on Earth: trees. Often times people don’t realise how important trees are to us humans and all living things on this planet. We want everyone to take part in solving the ongoing issue of deforestation that is happening on our Earth right now, one of which takes place at the Congo Basin.
Interesting Facts
- The Congo Basin is home to the second largest tropical rain-forested area on Earth.
- The capacity provides for 75 million people and about 10,000 species (30% indigenous).
- 1,200 acres of forest is lost annually by slash and burn techniques.
- 50% of the Congo basin forest has now been allocated for logging.
Causes of deforestation
- Cutting down forest for agricultural purpose.
- Cutting down forest for the need of available land for housing and urbanization.
- Cutting down forest for the business purpose.
- Cutting down forest for resources.
Problem with deforestation
1. Forests are carbon sinks
- 15% of greenhouse gas emission is caused by deforestation.
2. Rainforests have the largest biodiversity
- Rainforests contain 70% of world species; loss of rainforests can lead to species extinction.
- Rainforest destruction can affect medical researches as well as locals who hunt to make a living.
3. Soil Erosion - No roots to hold soil and more exposure to the sun.
- Erosion causes soil to become dry, which increases chances of flooding and reduces fertility.
- Eroded soil often ends up in water sources, decreasing water quality.
- Less oxygen
- 40% of Earth’s total oxygen are made by tropical rainforests.
- 20% of Earth’s total oxygen comes from the Amazon Forest, hence the name “Lungs of the Planet”.
- Deforestation means less trees to produce oxygen.
Solutions to deforestation
- Stop cutting down trees
- Use less wood, paper, etc.
- Plant young trees.
- Replant trees that are cut down.
- Maintain sufficient amount of trees.
Do It now or it will too late
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