Tropical Deforestation

            Tropical deforestation has become a major environmental issue, with significant deforestation occurring in countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand, as well as in parts of Africa and Eastern Europe. (Szalay) There are many factors that contribute to deforestation, though three are considered to be major factors: the habitat destruction of a diverse number of plant and animal species; an alarming amount of carbon dioxide emissions; and the conversion of the tropical forests to agricultural land. (Rowntree, 59-60)

         

Tropical rainforests can be found in many parts of the world.
 (Map found on National Geographic website)

            Because the tropical rainforests of the world are so expansive and diverse, many of the plant and animal species that thrive within them are as of yet undiscovered by scientists: “It is estimated that tropical forests, comprising only 6 percent of the world’s surface area, contain one-half to three-quarters of the earth’s species of plants and animals.” (“How Much Biodiversity”) Of the 1715 known species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles in Thailand’s rainforests, 5.1% exist in no other country, and 5.8% are threatened. (“Thailand”)

          

Javan Rhino - critically endangered. 35 left in the world. Native to rainforests in Vietnam/Indonesia.
 (Image courtesy of www.rainforest-alliance.org)

            Tropical deforestation also releases disturbing amounts of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. According to Globalization and Diversity, “Current estimates suggest that fully 20 percent of all human-caused GHG emissions result from cutting and burning tropical forests.” (Rowntree, 59) The greenhouse gases produced from deforestation get trapped in the earth’s atmosphere, which causes the planet to retain heat, leading to environmental issues worldwide.

            The wood being cut down in the tropical rainforests is used for all kinds of wood products: “Currently, about one-half of all tropical forest timber is destined for China, where much of the wood is used for throwaway items such as chopsticks and newspapers.” (Rowntree, 59) The land left behind is turned into agricultural land, used for planting crops and grazing cattle.

            Because Thailand is in an area of the world where rainforests are prominent, the effects of tropical deforestation are noticeable there. Many unique Thai species have become extinct, and eliminating so much forest has had negative environmental effects.

"B. How Much Biodiversity Is Found in Tropical Rainforests?" Rainforest Conservation Fund RSS. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://www.rainforestconservation.org/rainforest-primer/2-biodiversity/b-how-much-biodiversity-is-found-in-tropical-rainforests/>.

"Javan Rhino." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund. Web. 30 Nov. 2014. <http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/javan-rhino>.

Rowntree, Les. "The Changing Global Environment." Globalization and Diversity: Geography of a Changing World. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2014. Print.

Szalay, Jessie. "Deforestation: Facts, Causes & Effects." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 6 Mar. 2013. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://www.livescience.com/27692-deforestation.html>.

"Thailand Forest Information and Data." Environmental News. Mongbay.com. Web. 3 Dec. 2014. <http://rainforests.mongabay.com/deforestation/2000/Thailand.htm>.