Deforestation – My Thoughts on How to Tackle the Problem

As a nature lover, I find myself growing increasingly concerned with the state that our planet is in. Each year, I grow increasingly worried as it feels like we as a species aren’t doing enough to protect our planet. 

From climate change and renewable energy to plastic reduction and recycling, it feels like target after target is being missed, and the effects are starting to become more visible. Each summer I see news outlets reporting on record-breaking temperatures. Each winter, cold snaps are becoming more dangerous and more prolonged, and it seems to me as if our weather is becoming more volatile and unpredictable. I firmly believe that this is down to climate change. 

One environmental issue I’m especially passionate about is deforestation. All over the world, deforestation continues to happen, and it feels to me as if we’re prioritizing profit over the planet. Deforestation not only hurts us, it harms many different examples of biodiversity, putting more and more species at risk. If we aren’t careful, in generations to come, it will be too late. 

So, how would I tackle deforestation? Below I’ve compiled a few of my suggestions. 

Emphasize Sustainable Food

Did you know, that roughly 75% of all deforestation occurs because of agriculture? Put simply, trees and forests are being cleared to make way for flat grass pastures and fields to raise cattle, and other animals, to be used for food. 

If it isn’t living creatures, it’s things like soybean oil and palm oil, which too is devastating for so many different species. One of the best ways, I feel, of tackling deforestation is to emphasize more sustainable food instead. 

Sustainable food such as cereals, rice, grains, and other crops don’t require vast expanses of fields like you do when raising cattle and other types of meat. If we eat less meat and emphasize sustainable produce instead, we can make a real difference.

Some studies have found that reducing meat consumption by just 20% could cut deforestation in half. That proves just what a difference it can make. 

More Regulations and Stricter Punishments

One of the simplest solutions, in my mind at least, is to simply enforce stricter laws, rules, and regulations. 

Straight away, I’d enforce laws which protected the habitats of any endangered species. Any individuals or companies responsible for illegal deforestation would also face stricter punishments including hefty fines, legal action, and prison time. 

Stepping Up Reforestation Efforts

Another thing I’d do to tackle deforestation, or rather, the ill-effects of deforestation, is step up reforestation efforts. 

Reforestation is basically the practice of planting new trees and forests and essentially growing new forests that will be in place for generations to come. By replacing trees that have been cut down and removed, at least we’re able to offset some of the damage. Not only will more trees help to absorb excess CO2, but they will also produce more oxygen, and fewer animals will mean less methane being produced. 

It may take years for young trees to grow to a decent size, but it’s a step in the right direction. 

Implementing Financial Incentives for Companies to be Greener

Finally, as money talks, I believe that providing companies with financial incentives to be greener and more eco-friendly will also help to tackle deforestation and its effects. 

Carbon offsetting for example, could provide tax breaks and incentives in exchange for companies offsetting their CO2 emissions. One such example could be to plant trees or generate their energy in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. 

The more businesses that get on board, the more beneficial it will be. I firmly believe that with financial incentives, more companies will make a greater effort to be greener and more sustainable.