Trees and forest play a vital role in the functioning of a sustainable city. However, as a consequence of modernization, they are being cut down to a severe extent in order to construct buildings and expand land. According to IUCN, 13 million hectares of forest is lost on an annual basis due to deforestation (1). Its impacts, which are hazardous and ever-lasting, affect not only humans but also the ecosystem and other species. Despite these present damages, there are still possible strategies that can be put into practice to create loyalty and prevent further losses. Should these metrics be implemented, we will be taking a huge step towards protecting our environment and planet.

In no uncertain terms, the loss of trees is directly associated with the demands for paper. Paper is used for written communicative purposes in most of the offices, schools and work places, from informing new notices to signing contract. Thus, more trees are cut down to satisfy this surge of necessity. This definitely requires a solution, and what I suggest is to replace the use of paper with electronic devices. There are a variety of ways in which this method could be implemented. Instead of being in the form of a printed paper, notices could be sent through text messages, social media, or emails. Textbooks, handouts, notes can be made available online, rather than on notebooks. Better still, e-cards or tickets can be produced in exchange for paper ticket. Applying technologies to academic and business-related work would eliminate the need for paper, which would decrease the exploitation of trees tremendously. This practice will also reduce the need to clean up paper-produced trash, which can be a harm to the environment. Besides, digital books are more economical, which is an effective way to boost sale and attract buyers.

Natural resources exploitation occurs at the expense of deforestation. People use these resources for a variety of purposes. For example, gasoline is to fuel automobiles, while natural gases can be synthesized into energy sources that enable us to heat, cook or generate electricity. This propensity, which is environment-inconsiderate, leads to both increasing deforestation and soil degradation. A metric that could be put into practice is to replace these limited sources with renewable energy that exists in our city. Depending on the city?s geological location, we can harness the respectively available energy accordingly. Countries endowed with ample amount of water could take advantage of hydropower to generate electricity instead of using natural gases. Likewise, tropical countries can utilize solar power to fuel energy without further demand for natural resources.

In conclusion, saving trees should be a top concern as well as a subconscious responsibility of every citizen on Earth. While these prospective methods are effective, the actual obstacle is the effort needed to make these plan a concrete and habitual act. Nevertheless, if our cities successfully adopt these measurements, a green environment and a better future await!