Human caused deforestation occurs all over the world. The more we take from forests, without replenishing, the greater we influence the biodiversity. When forests are cleared the habitats of animals are devastated, this can lead to extinction of endangered animals. As the world population raises the demand for wood and work increase around the world. Almost every developed and underdeveloped nation has destroyed much of the natural forests, building cities and towns in place of trees. Many countries have consumed over 75% of their natural forests, much of which in the past 200 years. Entire landscapes have been decimated and continue to threaten our environment. Deforestation is a key player involved in increased greenhouse gases causing global warming. Plants and trees take carbon dioxide (CO2) out of our atmosphere during photosynthesis. Burning of fossil fuels, including wood, coal, and oil release CO2 into the air, at a rate that has been increasing for almost 200 years. Also, in deforested areas without trees the land cannot retain the amount of heat the biodiversity is accustomed to. This will result catastrophically for plants and animal, and in turn cultures and communities.
Biodiversity has a few similar definitions depending on who you ask. A basic explanation is that it is the diversity, or difference of the bio-, or life in an ecosystem. It could be defined depending on depth, meaning the amount of different animals, insects, and plants. Some will tell you that biodiversity is a range defined by how different things can be. Diversity can be divided into categories like genetic diversity, species diversity, and diversity of ecosystem and how nature interacts.
Biodiversity Hotspots are “the most remarkable places on Earth [which] are also the most threatened.” The more trees we take from these areas, the less are these creatures have to thrive, and if our actions continue we threaten these incredible areas with extinction. Ways we are working to protect these environments are through sustainable forestry, plantation grown trees, and utilizing reclaimed materials to manufacture sustainable furniture. Learn more about biodiversity hotspots, and what we can do to prevent them from disappearing. There is an interactive map which can be used to explore areas around the world that are unique due to climate, plant life, and wildlife.
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