Organizations and activists are working to fight illegal mining and loggingNational Geographic Explorer Topher White, for example, has come up with a way to use recycled cell phones to monitor for chainsaws. With practices of deforestation for products like palm oil, displacement of forest communities is rampant, and conflict between companies and communities has been very common. They act as key guards against soil erosion, for instance, a fact made tragically clear by landslides like the one in Washington state last March, which many have arguedwereat least hastened by clear cutting. In 2014, for example, the Ebola virus killed over 11,000 people in West Africa after fruit bats transmitted the disease to a toddler who was playing near trees where bats were roosting. Help us plant 100.000 trees this year! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We can help you whatever your needs, so if you do require any. A barge loaded with timber in Para state. Sometimes this is the intention that leads to deforestation, which we will discuss below, but other times it may be a result that simplyhappens. The cattle sector in Brazil and the Palm Oil sector in southeast Asia, both major drivers of deforestation, are also major sources of reported incidences of forced labor and social conflict.Deforestation often looks a lot like modern day colonialism. All the way from rainforest care to tree planting. Managed forests grow wood forever, and we currently grow far more wood than we use. Instead of waiting for nature to take its course, work with a local tree service team for safe removal. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464). Since it is hard for the average person to spot it can be even more problematic, as like with some of the points above, it can lead to structural problems. Without the worlds forests, we wouldnt stand a chance. First small change: Save BnTree as your default website for all things travel. its also much easier for the whole tree to fall when its dead, especially in bad weather conditions. Predictably, bad things followed. Then plant one today: As well as combatting air pollution, trees have a role in combatting the negative impact of noise pollution. 1. Thirdly last but not least: Plant more trees! They also ensure that the water cycle (which provides the fresh water we rely on to stay alive) remains in balance. Bill Cook, Michigan State University Extension -
To create other habitats. These reasons are mind blowing, dont you think? Large scale tree cutting can lead to deforestation, a transformation of an area from forest to terrain with little vegetation. Of course we dont want to cut down a tree unless theres a reason for it but you often hear about all of the reasons why you shouldnt cut down trees but rarely why you should. This research is the first to show how we can predict and avoid spillovers through monitoring and maintaining wildlife habitats. What is wind chill, and how does it affect your body? The remaining trees will carry on growing and produce a good quality timber crop. Whenever we fell trees, more are planted to make sureforests are maintained forfuture generations. As those gases enter the atmosphere, global warming increases, a trend scientists now prefer to call climate change. Its the same for ceilings and floors, though the walls are the biggest structural piece of the puzzle in this case. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. In terms of climate change, cutting trees both adds carbon dioxide to the air and removes the ability to absorb existing carbon dioxide. Among the various reasons why people cut down trees are the following: to get the wood to build houses and furniture, to clear land for building, for manufacturing purposes and for aesthetics and convenience. This is a good thing. This information is for educational purposes only. October 21, 2016. The world has established a natural rhythm when it comes to the water cycle. This process can damage environments, but the negative effects can be prevented when it is done mindfully with efforts to help restore the environment. Check out how plants and trees prevent soil erosion in this video. Why should we love to cut down a tree? Perhaps there is a need for more land in which agricultural practices can be performed. Nature has a peculiar habit of killing forests in dramatic, if sometimes gradual, ways. Different tree species have different requirements for light, soil, water, etc. In case youre not traveling anywhere, you can plant trees anytime on Click A Tree. Here are six reasons you can tell. Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The Brazilian Amazon is an iconic battleground of these conflicts. (Which tree planting projects should you support?). On the flip side, trees are sometimes cut down just to create more space for people to build houses, businesses, or other things that are driven by corporations focused on economic benefits. A lot of wood. The wood isnt wasted, and can often be left in the forest as deadwood to provide vital habitat for a range of creatures. Used a dictionary the old fashioned way? Trees are absolutely vital in the fight against climate change. It stores the carbon as wood and releases oxygen molecules. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Paper is something nearly all of us use in our everyday lives, regardless of where we come from or what we do. May you continue to be successful in your tree journey, and remember that we are always here to help! Where trees are removed, animals and insects will either leave or have to adapt, and sometimes communities feel the impact of these shifts. Once a tree is fully grown, it removes less carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it is no longer creating as much new wood: the additional carbon isnt necessary. Careless tree removal and large-scale deforestation does adversely affect the environment and, indirectly, us. Left on its own, nature will not work in these directions. Many of them would disappear without ever having been discovered. Like noise pollution, as well as being annoying, city lights can disrupt the habits of animals such as birds and moths (as well as nocturnal mammals like badgers). Kind of like a kid, but you knownot. There are so many reasons why trees matter, and why they are awesome. Thank you for taking the time to read this piece, and sticking with us as we work to help you help your trees. We can get plenty of nutrients from trees alone. As well as muffling sound, tree foliage also provides a barrier against unwanted light pollution. Farmers may need to start growing more food, so theyll cut down trees to be able to plant more crops. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, known for its heat-trapping properties. Nonprofit groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance certify products they consider sustainable, while the World Wildlife Fund has a palm oil scorecard for consumer brands. The digital age may be creeping in, but the paper isnt going anywhere just yet. Call today 0161 338 4455 or 07917 798 459. What is deforestation? The point we want to make here is that there are so many times that trees are cut down to make a product that doesnt last or gets disposed of in a way that creates issues. Find out how a tribe in the Amazon is using old cell phones and machine learning to help save their forest home. With responsible woodland management, older trees can be carefully harvested in order to absorb the maximum amount of carbon from the air creating a carbon sink. Learn more about proper tree care and how removal is sometimes a necessary step in ensuring a healthy, safe environment for you and the local animals and plants. So, deforestationdoespositively impact the economy, which can help support people, jobs, and lifestyles. 5. 2:32 Climate 101: We suggest speaking to one of our. When forests are cut, this powerful carbon sink is rendered useless. So yeah, its still going on. 3. Between August 2012 and July 2013 deforestation increased by 28% compared with the previous year. The Tree Is No Longer Producing Fruit. When a stack of paper is tossed into the trash instead of recycled, our minds just dont have the time to ponder what that action might look like after another 5, 10, 100, 1,000, or more people do the same thing. Who created it? If tropical A network of access roads on former orangutan habitat that is now a palm oil concession in Indonesia. Whether its for harvesting sustainable timber, protecting trees and people, or creating new habitats, read on to discover reasons why its okay to cut down trees. This can not only lead to injuries but also damage to buildings and property. Once the trees are gone, the work is too. From fruit harvests to biological and botanical research. A dead tree has a compromised structure, so its only a matter of time before its blown over. 4. They rely on the daily cycles of light and darkness to regulate their internal clock, navigate, and source food. Climate change has accelerated the rate of ice loss across the continent. This one isnt easy to spot and will often need the skills and expertise of a tree surgeon to identify. One of the many reasons why trees are awesome is that they provide us with so many of lifes essentials. First, we all use wood. An additional 1.4 billion people depend directly on forest goods for their survival. In the past thirty years, about 18% of the Brazilian Amazon has been lost. Oftentimes, companies will cut down a large section of trees to be able to produce wood that is good quality and fit to create furniture, decor and other functional pieces for people to use in their everyday lives. Think of your favorite coffee shop on the corner, the restaurant with the cool building design, or the craft shop that you used to pass on the way to work. Second step: Tell your friends and family about it. Safe and proper tree removal is imperative for both your own safety and the safety of those around you. You will also be hearing a lot from us about how you can contribute to battling deforestation. What is the name of tree in English? All of these buildings fall structurally somewhere in between a modest family home and a giant fancy office building, but they have one thing in common; they all use wood one way or another to achieve their building design, room layout, or aesthetic appearance. You stare and stare at the obvious, but you cant see the forest for the trees. Forests are also cut as a result of growing urban sprawl as land is developed for homes. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Even though the building itself is made from metal, the beams in the walls are quite likely to be made of wood. What is it called when trees are cut down? But there are still 9 more reasons why trees are so important. However, with the dangers fires pose to growing populations, we work to prevent fires. Often, when the focus shifts from protecting plants and wildlife, even if it helps people in other ways, the overall result is more bad than good. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. https://www.natureandforesttherapy.org/about/science. If you just cannot imagine giving up that feeling of putting pen to paper, we have a thought:Use a type of paper that isnt made of wood. Openhabitat is important for a range of species including this well-camouflagednightjar, which is a birdthatchooses to nest on the ground rather than in trees. Not treating a diseased tree will eventually lead to death, so if you dont treat it now you will need to fell it later. Well, in no particular order, here are 11 reasons that explain how important trees are. For many small, often rural communities, without trees there would be no way to sustain the local people. Please be respectful of copyright. The causes of deforestation in developing countries. A lot of wood. Below are some of the reasons people cut down trees as well as the best ways to do this in a way that ends with the least harm to the environment. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. And why they matter so much both for our planet and for us humans, too no matter where on Earth you live. WebLarge trees can also cause smaller structures, such as paving slabs, summer houses and garages to lift slightly as they grow underneath them. On the other hand, if local people need the space to be used for something that supports an increased population, the results may be different. Forestry practices, wildfires and, in small part, urbanization account for the rest. WebThe 41-page, vividly illustrated picture book is a product of the U. S. Forest Services Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry and discusses why trees are sometimes felled. Wide view over the Amazon Rainforest, Rio Negro, Serra de Araca, Brazil. Jason Schwartz is a media officer for Greenpeace USA based in New York City. Wood products are everywhere and that wood needs to come from somewhere. A period of high winds or rain is then free to sweep away all of the loose soil, turning the area into a quasi-desert. From the delicate willow to the mighty oak, the upright pine to the leggy mangrove, trees are increasingly overlooked. In these situations, nature tends to be ignored or, at the very least, brushed to the side. Allen, J. C., & Barnes, D. F. (1985). Curators are realizing that returning looted artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors. We are proud that almost one fifth of our landscapes are types of open spaces managed primarily for wildlife. We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Childrens Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The wood from the smaller trees that are thinned is used for things like fence posts, pallets, wood chips and fuel. The poster child, perhaps, is the Kirtlands warbler. Working with colleagues in Forestry Commission, we monitor trees to spot early signs of disease or damage. Inversely, when bats native habitats were left intact, they stayed away from humans. Take the space between the drywall and the steel of a high-rise, for example. We cant survive without trees, and we need to plant more. 1. At least four to five pounds every day. Forestry Englands top nature recovery stories from 2022. Photograph by Paul Nicklen, Nat Geo Image Collection. 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