World Environment day

Trees and forests are very important to the environment. In addition to holding water, trees hold the soil in place. Trees use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, which plants and animals need for survival. And they provide homes and food for millions of types of animals.

Why do we cut down trees?

People cut down trees for many reasons. When the population grows, people cut down trees to clear space to build houses, schools,factories,and other buildings. People may clear land tp plant crops and graze livestock. Sometimes all the trees in the area are cut and sold for lumber and paper.

What happens when trees are cut down?

Cutting down trees-usually to use the land for something besides a forest - is known as deforestation. Although people often have good reasons for cutting down trees, deforestation can have serious effects. If animal habitats are destroyed, many species will become extinct. Because of deforestation, thousands of species in the Amazon rain forest in South America are being lost before scientist can even learn about them.

Cutting down trees can also impact climate. After rain falls on a forest, mist starts rising and new rain clouds are created. When forests are cut down , this cycle is disrupted, and the area eventually grows drier, causing a change in the local climate. If large areas are cut down, the carbon dioxide they would have used builds up in the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect. And without trees to hold the soil and absorb water, rain washes topsoil away into rivers and reservoirs, a process called soil erosion. Farming on the poorer soil that is left can be very hard.

What are we doing to save forests?

In many European nations, trees are being planted faster than they are being cut down. Also trees are being planted to restock woodland areas and to create forests in some countries where timber is scarce. In addition, communities and individuals are helping to save forests by recycling paper.  Small country like Bhutan also launch tree planting programme every year.