Effects of Deforestation

Deforestation History

Deforestation means cutting down of the trees and forests for personal uses. From the very primitive age human beings are using the forests for various purposes. Because of the purpose of deforestation fire was discovered. With the advancement of agriculture fire became the main instrument to clear land for growing of crops. Deforestation started to move from southern Europe to north i.e. Britain where land was cleared up by setting fire. Now here we would discuss about deforestation history.  

What history says about deforestation? History says that the southern coasts of Asia Minor and in coastal Syria during the last centuries BC increased due settlement in the river basins. Deforestation was taking place in a huge scale. In early medieval years, the river beds were maize due to the deposit of silt and the floodplains were widened that gradually constructed higher ground where else the head water valleys were used for pasturage. The cities of that period were being built up with woods which were also being used for some industries. As it was finishing first, it was impossible to obtain woods, leading to the city's abandonment.   Dependant on agricultural sector Meanwhile majority of the population were dependant on agricultural sector. This put pressure in mast areas on land clearing for crops and cattle farming. But there was enough wild forest left for the survival of wildlife and hunting purposes of the elite groups. Some feudal lords and clergyman took the initiative of attracting the farmers to settle. In the agriculture belt the population started to grow rapidly. On one hand due to devastating warfare lots of settlements were being abandoned, living the land to be reclaimed by nature. The Europeans naval owners since the 15th century built wooden sail ships for exploration, colonization, slave and often naval warfare that made the whole woody regions over harvested. After the discovery of America by Columbus the agricultural activities started to increase in their colonies destroying a huge amount of forest resource.   Preventing deforestation Therefore to control deforestation we should know the importance of maintaining a green cover in the country to prevent pollution and global warming. We have lots of benefits when we plant trees. The roots of the trees hold the soil very tightly which stops soil erosion. Trees attract rains. It checks the warming of the atmosphere. Some herbs have medical values which help in preparing of natural medicines for the well being. It protects the wildlife of the nature. Forests also balance the ecological balance of the world. Also, in today's world we can find that many people like the tribal prefer to live in forests rather than living in the cities and towns. This is because by living in the forests, they get natural things all around them. Forests also purify the air as well as provide oxygen and so it should be preserved. If the present trend of deforestation continues then there would be a time when no person on Earth would able to save the planet.