Destructions of Rainforest - Research Paper Example

Destructions of Rainforest Introduction Rainforests are common in the tropics found in parts of South America, Asia and Africa. They are characterized by heavy foliage and evergreen woodlands, forming the home of most animals. Some rainforests are also found in temperate regions like Chile and Alaska. Rainforests are referred to as “the green lungs of the planet” because of their role in the carbon cycle that maintains life forms on earth. The world relies on production of oxygen and reduction of carbon dioxide by rainforests fighting Greenhouse Effect. For example, The Amazonian rainforest of South America contributes 20% of the world’s oxygen. Rainforest contributes to pharmaceutical developments in the world. Flora and fauna in the rainforest are used in production of approximately 25-40% of pharmaceutical products with a minimal percentage of native life tested for use. Recently, human activities have drastically reduced the size of rainforests. Most scientists argue that tropical rainforests face exhaustion through the current deforestation rate between the years 2030-2050 (politics.co.uk, 2012). Background Human civilization has led to degradation of rainforests. The rise in human population and the quest for fertile land for agriculture contributed to loss of most forests. Advancements in civilization during the industrial revolution led to increased demand for wood fuel and fertile land for agriculture. Improvements in transport and communication affected rainforests. Deforestation accelerated in the 20th century. The modern version for destruction of rainforests was for commercial purposes. Commercial logging, deforestation to create space for livestock rearing became reasons for rainforest destruction. Creation of European sugar plantations in coastal Brazil and Caribbean propagated rainforest destruction. Firewood collection is slow but steady in Africa but leads to forest degradation. Deforestation became an environmental issue globally in 1980s. Developing and developed countries disagreed on the matter until the UN brought a consensus. The UN instituted Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (IPF) and the Forum on Forests (IFF) for sustainable development of rainforests. Controversies Science argues that destruction of rainforests has negative impacts on the earth. Destruction of biodiversity and indigenous culture is promoted. Desertification and land degradation promotes loss in soil fertility and Greenhouse Effect which reduces the planet’s ability to recycle carbon dioxide. Economic and politics play roles in deforestation. Most rainforests are found in developing countries, which are characterized by weak political and social institutions. Developing countries depend on timber, land for agriculture, and other valuable resources for economic development. Palm oil production and soy industries pose a threat to deforestation. Conservation measures enforced by the developed world do not reflect the interest of developing countries. This controversy has led to the debate on conservation of rainforests as a rich-poor agenda. Guidelines used to curb rainforest destruction are flouted by some governments. A country like Brazil faces criticism by environmental organizations like Worldwide Fund for Nature for continuous logging and deforestation practices. Despite this opposition, the developed world cannot be blamed for international pressure. Surveys conducted reveal that most European countries react meagerly to stop illegal importation of timber and other rainforest products. Among the EU states, UK is singled out as the only state that monitors its sources of timber. Consumption of timber products in developed countries remains to soar. The timber products fetch smart money from developed countries than developing ones (politics.co.uk, 2012). As a result, indigenous communities from rainforest areas suffer from catastrophe decline. Mortality rates have increased because of diseases like flu, measles and smallpox. They also face exploitation because of loss of identity and destruction of their institutions and form of life. The same people face genocide, land theft and massive destruction of their habitat and cultural discrimination. For example; some natives in New Guinea were convinced and sold their land without knowing the long-term implications because they could not read and understand the contracts they signed. Similarities Statistics released about the destruction of rainforest show that greenhouse emission has increased drastically. Rainforest coverage has reduced due to human activities. The measures to curb deforestation are similar. Loss of life and mass extinction is likely to be faced. Global trend in increased urbanization offer opportunities that will draw most farmers. Pressure on rainforest will be reduced, creating room for regeneration of secondary forests and abandoned farm land. Extinction of endangered species will also be reduced. Greenhouse effect has become a common denominator for both the developed and developing countries. Global warming, drought and increased hunger, deserts signified by fires are challenges faced by both groups of countries. The whole world is affected by these challenges and as a result, non-governmental organizations and governments get involved in the search for solutions. Increased carbon trading slows deforestation and enhances regeneration of forests. Incentives offered to landowners in tropical regions are necessary. Carbon trading offers mechanisms that shift more responsibilities to developed countries than developing ones in costs incurred in protection of forests. With stringed measures and cooperation from both parties, deforestation will be reduces as well as unfavorable climate. Species likely to be extinct will also be preserved. Increased population growth leads to massive use of use of the natural resources like land and timber. Reduction in world population could be a possible solution towards rainforest destruction (BBC NEWS, 2009). Pressure exerted by developed countries on developing ones is satirical and minimal changes will be realized. One of the best ways to approach rainforest destruction is through involvement of local communities. Farmers, loggers and firms related to forest destruction can help in monitoring and protecting forests. For example; the indigenous people in Northern Brazil and Southern Venezuela raised an alarm to their governments on mining activities on their land (The Prince’s Rainforests Project, 2010). Conclusion Commercial purposes for rainforests pose a serious challenge in its destruction. Industrial logging, biofuels, gas and oil industries, as well as, agribusinesses accelerate rainforest destruction. The future of rainforests remains bleak as all measures to its salvation fail. The negatives impacts of deforestation will lead to harsh climatic conditions in the world, forcing extinction or adaptation of world inhabitants. The ecosystem will be imbalanced and as a result, the forces of nature will create the balance through its own measures. The destiny of rainforests lies in the hands of indigenous people only if they are entitled to right of land and dignity. Reference HRH The Prince of Wales, (2010). The Prince’s Rainforests Project. UK. Accessed on 01/04/2012. Laurence, W., (2009). Reality check for deforestation debate, BBC NEWS. Accessed on 01/04/2012. politics.co.uk, Rainforests. (2012). SquareDigital Media Ltd. Accessed on 01/04/2012. Read More