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Deadly Deforestation

In the rural area that I live in, gas companies are continuously putting up gas wells to harvest the natural gas that is housed underground. While a large profit can be made, some of these wells cause much destruction to the environment. One large well is located right outside of Houston, Pennsylvania, about ten minutes from my house. The destruction caused by the gas company really caught my eye. Seemingly overnight, they managed to cut down all of the trees in what used to be a large wooded area, leaving a barren scar on the land. Witnessing the destruction occurring in this scenario can be used to defend the deforestation of rain forests. The forests contain very important resources that we can use, so harming the environment in this manner is unacceptable and needs to stop. The deforestation of rainforests not only destroys the aesthetic beauty of nature, but it is also very harmful to the environment.

Naturally, nature holds a certain beauty, and if possible, should be preserved. When nature is destroyed (in this case when the trees were cut down) the beauty is gone in an instant. In the example provided, the beauty of the wooded patch was stripped away very quickly through the use of chainsaws, bulldozers, and dump trucks. All of the trees were cut down along with the sense of wonder that one feels from experiencing nature with all senses. All of the smells, colors, and sounds of the woods were lost. No longer would the leaves of the trees change color in the fall, and there would be no song birds left to sing. Their home was destroyed and is now lost. I was affected by the deforestation more than I ever imagined I would be. When I first drove past this area I instantly noticed that something was missing, and I felt an emptiness inside me because of the ruination that occurred. Not only did this piece of land become unappealing to the eye, but also it showed me the harmful effects of deforestation.

In the small area of woods that was cut down outside of Houston, the flora and fauna were greatly affected; I could not imagine the extent to which the plants and animals would be affected by the destruction of rainforests, as well as humans. The rainforests are home to thousands and thousands of plant and animal species, and if their habitat is destroyed then there is no longer a home for them and they will quickly die. According to Rainforest Facts, “Nearly half of the world's species of plants, animals and microorganisms will be destroyed or severely threatened over the next quarter century due to rainforest deforestation. Experts estimate that we are losing 137 plant, animal, and insect species every single day due to rainforest deforestation. That equates to 50,000 species a year.” As the rainforest species disappear, so do many possible cures for life-threatening diseases. Currently, 121 prescription drugs sold worldwide come from plant-derived sources. While 25% of Western pharmaceuticals are derived from rainforest ingredients, less that 1% of these tropical trees and plants have been tested by scientists (Rain-Tree Facts).” That is a very frightening fact, and it shows that destroying the beautiful forests causes harm on levels that may not be noticed by the general public. The site also states that nearly one and a half acres of rainforest are lost every second. If we continue down this road before long the rainforest areas of the world will be lost along with the benefits that rainforests provide us with. Luckily action is being taken to try to stop the deadly deforestation of rain-forests.

Rainforest Facts also states that, “Experts agree that by leaving the rainforests intact and harvesting its many nuts, fruits, oil-producing plants, and medicinal plants, the rainforest has more economic value than if they were cut down to make grazing land for cattle or for timber (Rain-Tree Facts).” Many are pushing this idea in hopes that those harvesting the lumber will realize that deforestation is not ideal; economically as well as environmentally. Also, experts say, “Promoting the use of sustainable and renewable sources could stop the destruction of the rainforests. By creating a new source of income harvesting the medicinal plants, fruits nuts, oil and other sustainable resources, the rainforests is be more valuable alive than cut and burned (Rain-Tree Facts).” Once again, experts are attempting to coax lumber harvesters by stating that they would be able to make just as much of a profit and more importantly, manage to keep the rain-forests intact. Reforestation is another important practice to focus on. Rainforest area inhabitants should learn a lesson from China. How to prevent Deforestation, tells of the policy China put into place; “In the past China set a requirement that every able-bodied citizen between the ages of 11 and 60 is responsible for planting three to five trees per year or complete an equal amount of work in other areas of forestry. Since 1982, the government claims that at least one billion trees have been planted in China as a result of the program (How to Prevent Deforestation).” These forests are valuable to the plant and animal inhabitants as well as the human population and they need to be saved.

I saw the aftermath of the destruction of hundreds of trees, and through my own experience in nature I have come to realize that destroying nature is wrong. These forests are home to many forms of life, some of which can even benefit us. Although efforts are being made to save these magnificent areas of land, it is not enough and needs to be taken more seriously, or we will lose the rainforests all together.

Works Cited:

“How to Prevent Deforestation.” 17 May 2010.

“Rainforest Facts.” 20 March 2010. 17 May 2010.