Cause and Effect Essay: Deforestation

Cause and Effect Essay: Deforestation

            'Deforestation' means clearing of forests without replanting the deforested land anymore. It will

leave the land bare. Deforestation has negative effects on plants, human and the environment as a whole.

            Deforestation involves cutting down of trees which results in animals losing their homes, rivers being polluted and resulting in depletion of the ozone layer. Deforestation takes place because of the growing population. New homes need to be built to house the growing nation. People can earn a lot of money just by selling cut trees. Orchards of trees can easily be cut down in seconds. Trees can be turned into furniture and boats. They can be sold off at very high prices. Aside from furniture and boats, wood is also needed to make stationaries.The government, illegal loggers and even the general public carry out deforestation either to earn a lot of money or for useful purposes.

            It is important to have trees planted on land because the roots of the trees anchor the soil down. This helps prevent soil erosion especially on rainy days. The roots of the trees can protect the soil from flowing into the river, causing water pollution. When there is too much rainwater flowing into the river, the water level will rise causing flood to take place affecting the nearby homes. Mudslides happen when there are no trees to anchor the soil down. The rainwater will wash away the mud down the slopes.

            Cutting down of trees to make way for modernisation or merely due to illegal logging, leads to the destroy of the natural habitat of many animals. Flocks of birds will have to migrate to a newer place that is suitable for them. If deforestation were to continue to take place, some of the animals may become extinct. It is very costly when flood occurs. The residents will have to flee to the highest spot like at the top of the hill and rooftops. This is to prevent their lives from being swept away by the strong current. A large number of houses will be destroyed. Orchards of trees will die. Children’s education will be interrupted. Electricity, water and food supplies will be cut off. The health of the people affected will deteriorate. The villagers will became like the drowning man who clutches at a straw. They are all in the same boat struggling with their lives. Their homes and rear are washed away. 

      As the villagers said, “A burnt child dreads the fire,” as they learned their lesson on the effects of deforestation. From their unforgettable experience on the flood, the villagers have come to a decision that after a thorough clean up of the aftermath, replanting the empty land will not only beautify the villages but also help to prevent flood.

Written by:

Reagan Ong

HELP International School