Deforestation has become a major global issue since 2019 and is directly responsible for about 10 percent of the world’s global warming. When the trees of the forest are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the air, adding to the overall greenhouse gas levels and significantly increasing global average temperatures. This article aims to provide insight into how burning of rainforests contributes to global warming and what can be done to alleviate the problem.
Rainforests play an integral role in moderating and regulating the earth’s climate, so their destruction has an immense effect on global warming. When forests are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide – one of the most prominent greenhouse gases – into the atmosphere. This not only raises the overall average global temperature, but it also affects the climate in other regions, leading to droughts, floods and other catastrophic events. In addition, the presence of less green areas on the landscape reduces the absorption of solar radiation, further increasing the heat in the atmosphere.
Furthermore, burning rainforests are contributing to the emission of other harmful yet lesser known compounds such as methane and nitrous oxide. Methane is over 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide has an even greater effect. As these two gases disrupt the earth’s health-promoting ozone layer, the resulting climate change contributes to rising sea levels, more extreme weather and an array of other adverse global effects.
The main causes of the rainforest burning can typically be traced to different personal and agricultural practices. In terms of personal practices, humans have been cutting down trees for centuries for fuel and construction material, but with the increase in population and industrial development, the rate of deforestation has dramatically risen. The agricultural sector is another major culprit, with its drive to expand production areas and raise profits despite the long-term environmental implications.
There is an urgent need to tackle the issue of deforestation and its contribution to global warming. Governments, businesses and citizens all have a communal responsibility to work together and use their respective influences to safeguard these vital resources. Governments should introduce and enforce laws to prevent illegal logging and agricultural fires as well as identify protective areas by providing incentives and education programs. Similarly, businesses must demonstrate their acceptance of sustainable production practices, such as water-efficient irrigation and efficient use of agricultural chemicals. Lastly, citizens must be aware of their individual contributions, as simple measures such as reducing the consumption of products made from rainforest goods can help-reduce the demand for them.
Even if the burning of the rainforest is contributing to global warming, it is important to remember that the problem can be solved through collective action and cooperation. Through greater awareness, better resource management and collective efforts, we can reverse the current situation and stop the effects of global warming.
