Light At The End Of The Forest

Many people complain that they almost never hear any good reports when it comes to environmental change, and this in itself can be very distressing. Many articles that are environmentally based are usually blasting careless resource practices or encroachment issues. Even though I am not about to say that theses are not serious issues, every now and then you need to hear some positive news.

Many times the so-called "good" reports are vague and inconclusive, due to the fact that progress with environmental health is usually obtained in "baby" steps instead of leaps and bounds. When addressing sustainable living issues, it is better to be steady and sure in these changes, making many impulsive changes and then not sticking to them will do the environment little good.

So for some good news...I recently came across a National Geographic news brief which stated that new satellite pictures are indicating a decline in deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization concluded that, "we have reduced deforestation in this area by approximately 10% sine the 1980's." Baby-steps like I said, right?!

To the unknowing eye, it seems as if we still have plenty of forest, and it isn't until you're provided with a complete visual that you realize the extent of the losses. So while we have made small progress, we need to work towards reductions of 50% or more. Global warming, species extinction, changing weather patterns, loss of soil quality and loss of resources from excessive use are only a few of the areas affected by deforestation. Not only are wildlife species dependent on them, many other plant species depend on their provisions of shade, humidity and shelter.

Life changes, not bandaid fixes are necessary to combat many of these issues. Social change is also necessary in many parts of the world. Unless some financial backing is provided to these impoverished people, how can we possibly expect them to consider the health and value of the environment around them? Especially when abuse of these areas will provide them with food and clothing for the better part of the year. Change needs to happen at many levels, not only for the environment but for the people who depend on it.

"The numbers of all these members of the community are in delicate balance and tied to each other by invisible threads of food, living conditions and mutual co-operation." -Time Life Nature Library, The Forest

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic