Social Impact of Technology SO245 Assignment 4

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Course Number and Title: SO245 - Social Impact of Technology
Assignment Number and Title: Assignment 4 - Lesson 4.
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Disrupting impact of deforestation.
Deforestation, a heavily pressing environmental issue that has been a cause of concern for many
decades. Clearing forests or trees in large numbers with sufficient replanting can positively
impact on the environment and our ecosystem. Deforestation disrupts the natural balance of the
carbon cycle, which is a vital process for regulating the Earth's temperature. Trees absorb carbon
dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere and release oxygen into the air. When forests are
cleared, the ability of the ecosystem to absorb CO2 is reduced, which contributes to the increase
in atmospheric CO2 levels and global warming. Deforestation also disrupts the hydrologic cycle,
which is a process that regulates the distribution of water on Earth. This can lead to soil erosion,
flooding, and drought. Deforestation also reduces species diversity, as many animals and plants
rely on forests for their habitat and survival. Therefore, addressing this issue and preventing
further deforestation is crucial to protect our environment and ecosystem.
Disruption of the Carbon Cycle
Deforestation is a significant contributor to the disruption of the carbon cycle, which profoundly
affects the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees play a crucial role in the carbon
cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and using it to produce oxygen through
photosynthesis. However, when trees are cut down or burned, all the carbon stored in them is
released back into the atmosphere, contributing to increased carbon dioxide levels. This increase
in carbon dioxide is a significant contributing factor to climate change, which has far-reaching
effects on our planet's ecosystems. The carbon cycle is a complex system in which carbon is
continuously exchanged between the atmosphere, oceans, and land. Deforestation disrupts this
natural balance by removing a significant carbon sink, which is the ability of forests to absorb
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is estimated that deforestation contributes to around 15%
of global carbon dioxide emissions, a significant amount. Moreover, deforestation releases
carbon dioxide and reduces the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere, leading to a vicious cycle of increased carbon dioxide levels and more deforestation.
In addition to contributing to climate change, deforestation also has other negative consequences.
It can lead to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and indigenous communities' displacement. It is,
therefore, essential to reduce deforestation and promote reforestation to mitigate the effects of
climate change and preserve our planet's ecosystems.
Disruption of the Hydrologic Cycle
Deforestation disrupts the hydrologic cycle by significantly affecting the water cycle. Trees play
a crucial role in the water cycle by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere through
transpiration. When trees are cut down, less water is released into the atmosphere, decreasing
rainfall. The reduction in rainfall can cause droughts that can negatively impact agriculture and
animal habitats, leading to food shortages and the displacement of entire communities. In
addition to this, deforestation also results in the loss of tree roots that help hold the soil together,
which further leads to soil erosion and degradation. As the ground becomes dry, it loses its ability
to absorb and hold water, which can cause it to become more vulnerable to decay. This can
cascade effects on ecosystems and wildlife, leading to deforestation, affecting the entire water
cycle and making it harder for communities to adapt and survive. Therefore, preserving forests
and promoting afforestation is vital to maintaining a healthy hydrological cycle.
Reduction of Species Diversity
Deforestation and species diversity are closely related. Forests are home to a wide range of plant
and animal species, making them one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. However,
when forests are cleared or burned down, the habitats of these species are destroyed, and they
often face extinction. This loss of biodiversity can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems,
including disrupting predator/prey relationships, the spread of disease, and the decline in
ecosystem services such as pollination and nutrient cycling. Deforestation's reduction of species
diversity can also have significant economic impacts. Many of the world's most important food
crops rely on pollination, which depends on a diverse range of species. The decline of pollinators
such as bees, for example, can devastate agricultural production and food security. In addition,
many industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology, rely on the diverse
genetic resources found in forests to develop new products and technologies.
Furthermore, deforestation can also lead to the emergence of zoonotic diseases. When natural
habitats are destroyed, many animal species are forced to migrate, leading to increased contact
between humans and wildlife. This can increase the risk of diseases jumping from animals to
humans, as we have seen with diseases like Ebola, SARS, and COVID-19. Thus, deforestation
can have significant impacts on human health, as well as the health of ecosystems.
In summary, deforestation is a primary concern that has significant negative impacts on the
environment and our ecosystem. The three effects of deforestation that we discussed in this
essay- disruptions in the carbon cycle, hydrologic cycle, and reduction of species diversity - are
alarming and require our immediate attention. We must take proactive steps to combat
deforestation, such as implementing sustainable forestry practices, protecting forests, and
promoting reforestation efforts. Sustainable forestry practices can help minimize the adverse
effects of deforestation, while forest protection can help preserve the environment for future
generations. In addition, promoting reforestation efforts can help reverse some of the damage
already done. Finally, as responsible individuals, we can contribute to these efforts by reducing
our paper consumption, supporting sustainable products, and advocating for protecting our
environment.
By working together, we can make a difference in preserving our planet for generations to come.
References:
- National Geographic. (2021). Deforestation. Retrieved from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/deforestation/
- World Wildlife Fund. (n.d.). Deforestation: Causes, Effects, and Control Strategies. Retrieved
from https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation-and-forest-degradation

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Student Name:

Student Identification Number:

Course Number and Title: SO245 - Social Impact of Technology

Assignment Number and Title: Assignment 4 - Lesson 4.

Disrupting impact of deforestation.

further deforestation is crucial to protect our environment and ecosystem.

Disruption of the Carbon Cycle

of global carbon dioxide emissions, a significant amount. Moreover, deforestation releases

climate change and preserve our planet's ecosystems.

Disruption of the Hydrologic Cycle

and promoting afforestation is vital to maintaining a healthy hydrological cycle.

Reduction of Species Diversity

genetic resources found in forests to develop new products and technologies.

deforestation, such as implementing sustainable forestry practices, protecting forests, and

- National Geographic. (2021). Deforestation. Retrieved from

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