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The same article also contains this: > For the last 35 years, the world has been re-foresting, meaning new tree growth has exceeded deforestation. The area of
by drivebycomment 7y ago
The same article also contains this:
> For the last 35 years, the world has been re-foresting, meaning new tree growth has exceeded deforestation. The area of the Earth covered with forest has increased by an area the size of Texas and Alaska combined.
So, at least globally in aggregate, deforestration concern doesn't seem like a unmitigated disaster anymore. Of course, we still need to continue on reforestration / conservation as well as fighting more localized deforestration like in Amazon. But it's not all gloom and doom.
EDIT: Deforestration is still a serious concern.
- gridlockd 7y agoReforestation does not replace conservation. Most trees are planted for commercial purposes, which usually means monoculture. These kinds of forest don't support the same species whose habitats have been destroyed. Tropical rainforests in particular are most likely irreplaceable. Having said that, commercial tree planting is still very important to keep demand for wood away from natural forests.
- labawi 7y agoAlso, cutting and possibly burning, even if trees are later planted, usually destroys soil and consequently water cycles. Poor soil with bad water retention means water, even soil runoffs, floods, and consequently water shortages. Commercial wood forests tend to have shallow soil and poor retention.