YoungAction for YouropeVision
Damage to Our Environment Deforestation
Areti– Greece
The world's forests play a vital role in improving
air quality by converting carbon dioxide into
oxygen. Destroying them therefore would be
catastrophic for the planet. While most people
acknowledge the need to tackle the problem of
deforestation in developing countries, any
possible solution must come through economic
help and decisive international action to save the
rainforests.Despite growing awareness of the
situation, the destruction of the rainforest
continues to increase at an alarming rate.
The reason for this is that supplying wood for
the manufacture of a range of products is highly
profitable. Therefore, if all countries were to
encourage recycling, the demand for wood as a
raw material would surely be diminished. To
achieve this, economic assistance would have to
be given in order to establish recycling centers,
especially in poorer countries.
This could function in a similar way to
agreements that protect endangered species.
That is, bans could be placed on the trade of
forest- related products. Strict enforcement of
conservation laws is also essential; otherwise
illegal logging will continue to be a threat.
A primary reason for the cutting down and
burning of forests is to develop agriculture, since
farmers need to clear large areas of forest so
as to grow crops or herd livestock. In order for
local people to earn a living without destroying
the area's forests, it stands to reason that an
alternative development program is required.
The promotion of ecotourism in the Amazon is
one such realistic alternative.
However, to be feasible such a plan would
require central planning and financial support;
only then would the region's population be
encouraged to conserve the natural
environment.Logging is another industry which
makes vast sums of money at the expense of the
environment.
Overall, it seems that if we are to preserve
rainforests, governments must provide financial
aid so as to encourage trends which are
environmentally friendly. At the same time,
steps should also be taken to reduce the
demands for products which are
environmentally unfriendly. Only if such
measures are enforced immediately will we be
able to save the forests and ultimately the planet.
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