Reading 2
Ten thousand years ago, about half of the surface of the earth was covered in trees. Now, that proportion is down to about one-third, or four billion hectares. What’s worse, the rate of cutting has increased exponentially in recent years. Globally, we are now cutting down forests at the rate of 400 000 hectares a week. At this rate, it is estimated there will be no forests left by the year 2030.
But a forest is more than just the trees. A single forest is a complete, functioning ecosystem that supports innumerable plant and animal species as well as earth, water, and air subsystems. The subsystems provide the essence of life of the forest and are in themselves a by-product of forest systems, all of which are reciprocal and interdependent. The further bad news is that 50.000 animal species disappear every year, many of them without ever having been classified or recorded.
One of the main causes of the mass extinction is deforestation. Deforestation is also a major cause of soil erosion and water pollution, and the rampant destruction of the tropical rain forests in the southern hemisphere, according to some scientists, is contributing to the greenhouse effect, which in turn is leading to global warming.
Solving deforestation requires a coordinated international effort and a new approach. It’s crucial to address the barriers between rich and poor nations, as forest loss is linked to economic needs in poorer countries. Wealthy nations must engage in dialogue with industry and environmentalists to develop effective plans. Sustainability is the goal, emphasizing interdependence and the integration of human needs with planetary resources, involving governments and citizens alike in the process.
(Adapted from http://cgw4u.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/8/8/13887929/the_disappearing_forest.pdf)
