DEFORESTATION A Threat to Earth’s Systems and Life
Presentation Prepared By : Alqueenah Damole
Deforestation is the large-scale removal of
trees from forests, often to make way for
agriculture, urban expansion, or logging
industries. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing
carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, regulating
climate, and providing habitats for countless
species. When forests are destroyed, the
balance of Earth’s systems is disrupted,
leading to environmental and biological
consequences. Globally, about 10 million hectares of forest
are lost every year.
Geosphere Tree roots help hold soil together.
Without them, the land becomes
prone to erosion.
Loss of forest cover can lead
to landslides, desertification,
and nutrient depletion in the
soil.
Hydrosphere
Trees regulate the water cycle by absorbing
and releasing water through transpiration.
Atmosphere
Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) and release
oxygen. Without forests, CO₂ levels rise,
contributing to global warming.
Deforestation disrupts rainfall patterns,
reduces groundwater recharge, and increases
sediment in rivers, leading to flooding or
droughts. Air quality declines because of reduced
oxygen production and increased pollutants.
Biosphere Forests are home to over 80% of
terrestrial species. Habitat loss
leads to biodiversity decline and
extinction.
Indigenous communities that
depend on forests for food,
medicine, and shelter are
displaced.
Biological ConnectionCells in Plants: Trees, like all plants, have
cells with chloroplasts that perform
photosynthesis, producing glucose (a
carbohydrate) and oxygen essential for life. Effect on Other Organisms: When forests
are destroyed, less photosynthesis occurs,
reducing available oxygen and food sources
for animals and humans.
Biological Macromolecules:Carbohydrates: Produced by plants
during photosynthesis; their
reduction means less energy
supply for herbivores and, indirectly,
for carnivores. Proteins & Nucleic Acids: Loss of
biodiversity limits the variety of
proteins and genetic materials
(DNA/RNA) available in nature,
reducing possible sources for
medicine or adaptation. Lipids: Certain plants produce oils
and waxes vital for ecosystems and
human use; these are lost when
species go extinct.
Sustainable Forestry: Reforestation & Afforestation: Actions to Address the Issue: Plant trees in deforested and barren
areas to restore ecosystems. Harvest trees responsibly by following
selective logging and rotation periods.
Conservation Laws: Community Awareness: Alternative Resources: Enforce stricter penalties
against illegal logging. Educate people about the
importance of forests and
encourage tree-planting initiatives. Use recycled wood and paper, and
adopt sustainable agriculture to
reduce forest clearance. Actions to Address the Issue: