Annually more than 1.5 billion trees are cut worldwide. Forest are very vital for our ecosystem as it covers around 30 % area of the globe but still deforestation is increasing rapidly. So for thematic report, I have chosen the discuss the environmental cost of deforestation.

Deforestation happening globally has 4 major causes, Agriculture, Illegal Logging Operations, Development activities and wildfires. Illegal Logging Operation is responsible for 25 % of all wood related trade globally. It is estimated to be worth between 30 billion $ and 100 billion $ annually. Illegal Logging is considered to be responsible for 60 % deforestation in Amazon basin. Wildfire has also made considerable damage to environment, be it in Amazon basin or Australian bushfire. A lot of Vegetation and wildfire were victimized by wildfire.

Deforestation costs around 4.5 billion $ each year through loss of biodiversity. It has eliminated habitats for millions of species. Infact, 80 % of global plants & animals live in forest. In long term, it worsens climate change. Tree Canopy keeps forest soils moist & more resistant to wildfires, droughts & subsequent floods. Without canopy, environment gets hotter during day, especially in Summer.

Trees penetrate the Water Cycle & help return water vapour to the atmosphere. In absence of trees, rainfall cycle is automatically affected. Trees absorb CO2, one of the chief Green House Gases that causes global warming. Deforestation adds 15 % of CO2 in atmosphere which is more than that of Car & Truck. Deforestation also plays pivotial role in extinction of several useful wildlife and vegetation. Various nutrient cycles like Nitrogen Cycle, Carbon Cycle and Water Cycle are severely affected ultimately resulting imbalance in the ecosystem.

Reference :

https://www.thebalance.com/deforestations-economic-impact-4163723

https://www.thebalance.com/deforestations-economic-impact-4163723