Egypt- Tropical Deforestation
Tropical deforestation is a growing issue facing the world
today and the 7 percent of the world’s landmass they cover is being threatened
by 3 key factors.
1) Overpopulation is the first of these key factors that
are threatening tropical forests. The current population is sitting at 7
billion and is projected to hit 8 billion by 2024. This is population increases
is generating a larger demand for resources and larger urbanized areas that are
pushing loggers and farmers deeper into these tropical forest regions.
2) Loggers are cutting deeper and deeper into these forests
seeking more rare and valuable trees to increase profit. According to Rhett A. Butler, a study done by
scientists at from the Carnegie institute at Stanford University the specific
logging of rarer trees leads to more than 60 – 123 percent more damage than
deforestation itself as well at emitting 25 percent more greenhouse gasses
(Mongabay). Due to over population in many areas of the world containing these
forests many farmers are forced to result to the deforestation of land to make
room for livestock or crops to provide for their families and support the
increased demand for crops and beef.
3) Another factor to deforestation is the increased amounts
of greenhouse gases associated to the reduction of tropical forests. These
forests provide a vital role in balancing the atmosphere by trapping carbon
dioxide. Research done by the Congressional Budget Office says that
approximately 12 percent of global GHG emissions are caused when people clear
forested land and destroy (CBO).
Works
cited
Butler, Rhett A.
"Logging Impact Worse than Thought in the Amazon." Mongabay.
Mongabay, 1 Nov. 2005. Web. 01 Dec. 2014
Elmendrof, Douglas W.
"Deforestation and Greenhouse Gases." Congressional Budget Office.
Congressional Budget Office, 6 Jan. 2012. Web. 01 Dec. 2014
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