It is time to take action against deforestation and unite in our mission to restore our forests and safeguard our planet. It is hard to imagine how much we deforest our world and push it to the brink of destruction. We cut down 11 football fields’ worth of trees every minute and fail to replant them, resulting in an ecosystem no longer functioning as it once did. The consequences are dire, including extreme weather, scorching heat, freezing temperatures, sudden hail, bushfires, and storms in the sea due to the rising sea levels. In 2024, a study revealed that the Amazon forest experienced its worst drought in half a century due to rapid deforestation.
Deforestation happens for many reasons, such as accommodating the needs of large populations in developing countries, cutting down trees to grow crops, providing accommodation and infrastructure for living, establishing new settlements, and building roads. Mining, driven by the demand for increased mineral prices, also contributes to deforestation. Paper products and firewood also lead to deforestation, and commercial agriculture, such as palm oil and cattle ranching, common in South and Central America, also destroys forests.
Once known for its lush greenery, Bangladesh is now grappling with deforestation. The main drivers are rapid population growth, agricultural demands, and urbanisation.
Illegal encroachment by political leaders and influential locals is a significant issue, with land being cleared for prawn farming and business facilities. While the government has initiated policies and plans to protect land, these efforts often remain on paper, as influential locals occupy the land illegally. It’s crucial that the government takes a firm stance on deforestation and follows through on its commitments to protect the forests. Political optimism alone is not enough; concrete action is needed
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https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/editorial/news/forests-are-vanishing-acre-acre-3234141
https://www.thedailystar.net/views/opinion/news/ending-deforestation-2030-empty-promise-3009596
https://earthjournalism.net/stories/bangladesh-urges-inclusion-as-promisor-to-end-deforestation
https://www.rainforestcoalition.org/deforestation-and-degradation/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS38-0mt-ptskCFM9LNJePRzNo7sl5zTu4qXfR7aSDXT0tqAFTFMteSgaAoyrEALw_wcB
