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| Cubbon Park, Bengaluru. Photo by Deen David on Unsplash |
Whether driven by agriculture, logging, urban development, or grazing, the impact is undeniable: loss of biodiversity, disrupted ecosystems, soil erosion, and a significant contribution to climate change through increased carbon dioxide emissions.
Globally, the scale of this destruction is alarming. It's estimated that approximately 500,000 square miles (1.3 million square kilometres) of land are deforested every decade. However, the impact is acutely felt in rapidly urbanizing areas.
BENGALURU'S SHRINKING GREEN SPACE
Bengaluru has witnessed a staggering loss of its natural heritage. According to an IISc study, approximately 93% of its forest and lake area has vanished over the past five decades due to relentless urbanization. The reasons are multifaceted:
- Agricultural expansion: Clearing land for farming.
- Timber harvesting: Cutting trees for construction and other industries.
- Urban sprawl: Expansion of settlements leading to widespread tree removal.
CONSEQUENCES
The repercussions of deforestation are far-reaching and deeply concerning:
- Climate change: Trees act as crucial carbon sinks, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. When forests are cleared, this stored carbon is released, exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating global warming.
- Biodiversity loss: Forests provide habitats for countless plant and animal species. Their destruction leads to population declines and even extinctions.
- Soil erosion: The absence of tree roots weakens soil structure, making it susceptible to erosion. Heavy rainfall can then wash away topsoil, leading to landslides and the loss of fertile land.
- Disrupted water cycles: Forests play a vital role in regulating water cycles. Their removal can disrupt rainfall patterns and alter regional climates.
HOPE AND ACTION
Despite the grim reality, there's a glimmer of hope in the concerted efforts to combat deforestation and enhance Bengaluru's urban green cover.
- Leading environmental group People's Planet has launched an ambitious "One Million Tree Plantation" project that aims to create urban forests across the city, utilizing geo-tagging for effective monitoring and conservation. This was launched in Bengaluru in January.
- The SayTrees Foundation is making significant strides in reforestation, having planted over 480,000 saplings to date using the Miyawaki technique for rapid growth and biodiversity. They also actively engage the community, fostering environmental responsibility.
Hopefully, the damage that is being caused by urbanisation will be offset to a great extent by these efforts.
(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. The theme is environment)
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteTrees are the beating heart of the Earth! The efforts to replant are to be commended, though the numbers truly required to balance our imprint upon the planet may still fall short.
I hope you are having as much joy in writing your posts as we are reading them! YAM xx
Yeah, deforestation is troubling. It's hard to get the message out that it's harming the planet as the ones doing it are doing it to help their livelihoods.
ReplyDeleteYour previous posts had cheered me up a little. Not so much this one.
ReplyDeleteNature itself also causes deforestation. During our latest storm many trees were felled by the wind.
ReplyDeleteGovernment and private organizations should encourage reforestation.
ReplyDeleteDeforestation is horrible, a great post
ReplyDeleteI find it particularly sad when native peoples are so desperate that many endeavors destroy their very own ecosystem. But none of this is good, is it?
ReplyDelete