6.8A Changes in Global Forest Coverage

• Deforestation:

  • An estimated 1.6 billion people depend on forests and more than 90% of these are in developing countries
  • Forests are essential for human well-being through their services as well as being the source of 80% of global biodiveristy
  • An estimated 13 million hectares of forests between 2000 and 2010 were affected by deforestation 

  
• Supporting functions:

  • Nutrient cycling
  • Soil formation
  • Primary production
• Provision of Goods:

  • Food
  • Freshwater 
  • Wood and Fibre
  • Fuel
• Regulation of Earth’s Systems:

  • ‘Green lungs’, regulating climate, floods and disease
  • Water purification
• Cultural Value:

  • Aesthetic 
  • Spiritual 
  • Educational
  • Recreational (inc. tourism)
• • However, the net loss was reduced because of afforestation 
  • The environmental Kuznets curve suggests that communities reach a tipping point where exploitation of forests changes to more protection

  
• The changes in attitudes are usually dependent on:

  • The wealth of a country
  • Increasing knowledge of the role that the environment plays in our well-being
  • Aid given to developing countries to help reduce exploitation
  • Political systems and introduction and enforcement of environmental laws
  • The involvement of locals
  • The power and influence of TNCs
• • It is hoped that the sustainable management of forests will reduce deforestation and as a result reduce carbon emissions from forests
  • Currently, 18% of forests are classed as conserved
  • Brazil and the USA have the largest National Parks and Forest Reserves
  • Successful reduction of forest loss in the long term requires:
  • Protective legislation
  • Community involvement in planning and developing policies