Natural Resources and Energy Paper - Essay Example

Forest Introduction The increase in human population has affected the forest cover across the world. The increase in population leads to increase in the scramble for resources, which in turn change the forest cover through encroaching on forest lands. The decrease in forest cover affects global climate and in turn affect rain fed agriculture. Farm forestry is the current approach employed to increase forest cover in Kenya and reduce desertification. In fact, the increasing uptake of farm forestry has helped reduce pressure on forest.

Africa is the worst hit continent when addressing the challenge posed by the reliance of wood fuel. The use of fuel wood in both industrial and domestic use is a major contributor to desertification and reduction of the forest cover (Department of sustainability Environment, WaterPopulation and Communities, 2009, p. 23). Likewise, the increase of population puts pressure on the existing forests. Human population growth is a factor affecting forest cover across the world. Human population has grown to reach seven billion in 2008, which is exerting pressure on the forests and the agricultural land.

The growth of population has affected some species of wildlife and plants making them endangered. For instance, some wildlife and plants have been considered extinct because of over-exploitation or encroachment on their natural habitat. Encroachment on the natural habitat of the plants and wildlife is a major concern in the conservation efforts across the world. In spite of the efforts to conserve the forests, challenges exist in the society on the best approaches to conservation and protection of the natural habitat.

The demand for land for establishment of towns and cities due to population growth is alarming and the challenge is made worse by the increasing need for energy supply.ConclusionThe development of renewable energy sources is vital for the development of sustainable forests. It will reduce reliance of wood fuel and fossil fuel. In addition, it reduces air pollution by reducing carbon emission. The best form of energy is hydrogenation which involves the use of water to generate electricity. It is environmentally friendly and encourages protection and conservation of the forest.

The energy is considered renewable and effective because it has zero carbon emission. The success of hydro-generation depends on the availability of the water and height. Other energy sources that are environmentally friendly include solar and wind energy (McGrath, 2009). Together with hydro energy, wind and solar energy should be the focus of the population. In addition, population control is essential to reduce pressure on the forests. Energy and population demand are the common factors affecting forest and afforestation.

Therefore, in order to improve forest cover and protect wildlife, it is essential that all the factors affecting forest growth and cover must address. Forest is the back bone of climate control and economy stabilization. Change in environment leads to loss of food supply and wildlife habitat loss leading to human-wildlife conflicts. The conservation actions and policies developed across the world have improved the forest cover and led to stability. However, more action needs to be undertaken in order to maintain and stabilize the forest cover.

Improvement of the tree species will improve the forest cover and encourage habitat development.ReferenceDepartment of sustainability Environment, WaterPopulation and Communities. (2009, November). National Waste Policy. Retrieved September 14, 2012, from National Waste Policy: http://www.environment.gov.au/wastepolicy/about/index.htmlMcGrath, M. (2009, April 23). Pollution fights global warming. Retrieved June 29, 2012, from BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8013709.stm