Deforestation
Deforestation has reshaped much of the world over the course of human history. Although forestry management is practiced with varying degrees of effectiveness, deforestation still occurs across the globe. Profit for corporations and a means to provide jobs for those in need often ends with the destruction of forests including old-growth forests.
This process devastates habitat, plants, animals, insects and whole ecosystems. Also, ecosystem services provided by these forests are negatively impacted such as water purification, carbon sequestration, water cycling, and storage of foods and medicines.
The poor management of forests around the world cannot be sustained indefinitely and we should look at how we can improve our education on the subject, our consumption habits and uses of wood in order to stop deforestation.
(CC Image courtesy of crustmania on Flickr)
