The Other Side of the Story: The Effects of Deforestation

by Brittney Barrow

Third Place Winner, USF Bullitzer Prize in First-Year Composition

Abstract

In this paper, I focus on the effects deforestation has on societies beyond American soil. Oftentimes we confuse richness with materialistic entities rather than the natural wealth that lies in our forests. In my paper, we see how many native people who depend on the forests for essential needs are stripped of land and many other necessary resources. The issue of deforestation has become a growing problem that is concealed by capitalists and industrial tycoons. Beyond the native people of the forest who are directly affected by deforestation, my paper addresses the effect that takes place on biodiversity. Climactic changes weaken forests’ vitality, also bearing burden on agriculture. Through this, the reader can see how lack of protection of the forests can affect our economical stability. As well, I expose the political elements of deforestation. We see how the government plays a monumental role in deforestation tolerance. Lack of rules and protection programs allow the status of deforestation to progress. In my essay, I develop on all such concerns regarding deforestation.

By Brittney Barrow

The world’s forests are vital in maintaining many of our indigenous communities. These people have devised advanced methods for managing watersheds and the forest ecosystems, which aid in their survival. These communities also contain a plethora of knowledge regarding land use and environmental protection. Unfortunately, the expertise and interests of these people are seldom recognized by national forest policies and management officials. In many Central American countries, the government controls forest resources, disregarding the rights of forest communities. This dissuades the responsibilities and administrative structure of forest locals. Western scientific forestry was widely acclaimed during the twentieth century. Yet this type of forestry neglects and detracts from the forestry system. Immense destruction overwhelms our natural forests, threatening biological diversity. As well, the span of global deforestation poses a severe threat to human communities. It is inevitable that deforestation will negatively affect not only the forest, but on a broader perspective it will also affect mankind.

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a montage of biodiversity, composed of an array of vegetation types and exotic species. Unfortunately, an extended history of resource mining has eradicated most of the natural ecosystems, leaving statistically less than eight percent of the forest’s former coverage. In the last three decades, habitat destruction has severely transformed most of the Atlantic Forest hotspot, causing the extinction of many forest species. José Silva and Carlos Casteleti state that "because of the complexity of the biodiversity and socioeconomic factors of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a complex mosaic is produced of biological and social situations, and researchers need to respond with conservation plans that accurately reflect the state of each region" (qtd. in Barbosa 27).

Humans play a far greater role in changing ecosystems, as opposed to natural factors such as hurricanes, landslides, flooding and fires. We are responsible for the factors that mold the landscape, and accelerate the rate and amount of biodiversity loss. Actions by humans ignite biodiversity loss by reducing native species populations and changing or even eliminating their natural habitats. Prompt by large scale commercial farming, human induced habitat loss has become the leading threat to "85 % of the 1,256 species of globally threatened plant and animal species" (Leal and Camara 16). Also, in the Brazilian Amazon, most of the deforestation has its roots in government-financed subsidies, making funds easily accessible to investors who want to buy and clear large tracts of forest areas for cattle ranching. These factors make deforestation a constant concern in the Amazon.

Explaining the high rates of deforestation, landless farmers and traditional shifting cultivators are often "scapegoated" by governments, representatives of the logging industry, and even by scientists and the media. First, we can analyze how unauthorized transfer of forest land to agricultural use bears much of the responsibility of deforestation. Governments of developing nations, like Brazil, use structural regulation programs to try to strengthen economic growth and gain economic stability. These programs encourage international capital flows, and open trade and exchange policies. Under these tactics, the influence of international markets and foreign demands for natural resources skyrocket.

When addressing the root causes of deforestation, we must take into account the causes found outside, rather than inside the forest. Case studies show how forests and the survival of people who depend on it are sacrificed to a term called "free rider economy." This "free rider economy" refers to the idea that big businesses and commercial enterprises such as mining and lodging companies define wealth on purely economic prosperity. Thus, this devalues the needs of those who depend on the forest as means of survival. Commercialization should only be pursued if it does not in any way compromise the well being of people and their economic stability.

Deforestation has severe repercussions for the hydrological cycle of river systems in our tropical forests. There are increased incidents of erosion of banks and accumulation of sedimentation in many streams. Floods are far more likely to occur in rainy seasons, whereas in dry seasons rivers disappear altogether. Nearly all activities in the valleys are affected by deforestation, including agriculture and cattle breeding. Yet the most critical consequence is the impact deforestation has on health and environmental factors. Springs that are used by peasant families for drinking water are affected, exposing people to several different illnesses. Water routes are being polluted with agrochemicals, domestic sewage and all types of wastes. This not only affects the people who use this water as a resource, but the whole chain that depends on this water as well.

The reduction of the ecosystem’s biodiversity weakens the ecosystem’s vitality. This in turn affects both agriculture and forests, and limits possible economic development and improvement of quality of life for the country at whole. In the last thirty years, there has been massive, ongoing destruction of the Amazonian forests. Deforestation has endorsed governments to extend cattle raising for beef consumption, with invitation to burn the natural forests. In the Central Pacific, the most obvious consequences are soil erosion, impoverishment of families living in those forest areas, and disruption of water systems that affect people, animals and agriculture. Over the recent years, farmers have even noticed climatic changes, exemplified by longer dry periods with less rainfall, or torrential rains in a period of few days. This extreme weather triggers extreme floods or insufficient water supply, ultimately aggravating the stability of all forest inhabitants.

In May 2005, Brazil’s government released figures showing deforestation in the Amazon reached the 10,088 square miles for the year ending August 2004 (Butler). In 2004, deforestation in the Amazon was the second worst ever deforestation period, with rain forest clearing for cattle ranches and soy fields (Butler). As well, between August 2003 and August 2004, Brazil lost more than 26,000 square kilometers of forest, an area larger than Israel (Butler). It is hard to fathom a positive connotation regarding deforestation. Yes, we get a bargain off a few items, and it does produce some economical stability. Being a working college student myself, I too catch myself at times complaining about the drastic increase in prices of things I need. Big businesses use the deforestation tactic to create a more economically friendly world for average consumers. Yes, that all sounds good, but let us take a look at the broader perspective. Millions of people are losing their homes, their natural wealth, and their security because of deforestation. Much of the natural vitality of our forests is being destroyed by money-hungry executives. I acknowledge the outlook of many American people because it is easy when the devastation is not at the forefront of our lives. But now it is time to value the wealth of so many other lands and the effect that deforestation has on them.

Work Cited

Barbosa, Luiz. The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest: Global Ecopolitics, Development and Democracy. New York: University Press of America Inc., 2000.

Butler, Rhett A. "Brazil." A Place Out of Time: Tropical Rainforests and the Perils They Face. 9 Jan. 2006 <http://www.mongabay.com/brazil.html>.

Leal, Carlos Galindo and Camara, Isben de Gusmao. The Atlantic Forest of South America: Biodiversity, Threats, and Outlook. Washington: Island Press, 2003.

Annotated Bibliography

Barbosa, Luiz. The Brazilian Amazon Rainforest: Global Ecopolitics, Development and Democracy. New York: University Press of America Inc., 2000.

This book was used to provide an international perspective on the growing deforestation problem in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest. It provides an analysis of how changes in economic politics and democracy in Brazil have largely altered the future of the Amazon Rainforest. The expansion of capitalism in various other regions plays a large role in deforestation’s growing status. This book provides a concise analysis of political and economical connotations that affect this continuous deconstruction of the Amazon Rainforest. Barbosa places awareness on the severe environmental issues that are coupled with economic issues. He places emphasis on the greenhouse effect and ozone layer, which are significant in the fields of biodiversity and climate stability. He sheds light on a variety of organizations that are motivated to protect the Amazon and other tropical rainforests controlled by capitalist ventures.

Butler, Rhett A. "Brazil." A Place Out of Time: Tropical Rainforests and the Perils They Face. 9 Jan. 2006 <http://www.mongabay.com/brazil.html>.

This site focuses on the various components that attribute to Brazil’s Amazon rainforest deforestation. Centering on the geographical features of the forest, the author uses statistical insight to introduce his audience to the growing issue of forest destruction. The author’s research shows that biodiversity in the Amazon Basin is a vital facet that encompasses an array of ecosystems and vegetation of the forest. In showing the vitality of the Amazonian Basin, the author reiterates the importance of its stability. His research shows numerous reasons as to why the forest is disappearing, giving insight to the economic aspects of this growing trend. Agriculture and cattle ranching are prime reasons for Brazil’s deforestation, and the author gives background on these issues. Not only does the article state the problems, but also it establishes solutions to alleviate the ongoing problem.

Leal, Carlos Galindo and Camara, Isben de Gusmao. The Atlantic Forest of South America: Biodiversity, Threats, and Outlook. Washington: Island Press, 2003.

This book gives an analysis of deforestation in Brazil from the historical perspective. It provides statistics of the destruction of forests thus far and outsourcing of materials from naturally rich regions. Not only is wood being confiscated from trees, but also the animals and plant species that rely on these trees are being threatened. In order to prevent history from repeating itself, the author poses many different strategies used to fortify the once rich forestry area. Governmental and nongovernmental organizations can increase the effectiveness of conservation efforts. On-ground monitoring as well as affordable technologies can enable survival of the rich biodiversity Brazil has to offer. The most influential of all resources is public awareness, which is the core purpose of the book.

Warren, Dean. With Broadax and Firebrand: The Destruction of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Berkeley: U of California P, 1995.

In With Broadax and Firebrand, author Dean Warren traces the path of the Amazonian rainforest from its prehistoric formation to its gradual destruction due to modernized development. Warren unfolds the legacy of the rich Brazilian rainforest, and the history of unremitting exploration that destroys the opulent forest. Driven by greed, the intruders of the forest have little regard for the mata (forest), and this is exposed in Warren’s book. Like many other tactics to expose this issue, his research was centered on the relationship between society and the environment in Brazil. From the historical beginning to their endless devastation, Warren accounts for all aspects of the fertile Brazilian forest.

Wolvekamp, Paul. Forests for the Future: Local Strategies for Forest Protection, Economic Welfare and Social Justice. New York: Zeb Books. 1999.

The objective of this book is to present experiences and outlooks on those affected by forest management. This book surveys views of indigenous people and other inhabitants of the tropics. Presenting effective case studies of deforestation and social injustice, this book explores how forest areas are being sacrificed by big business, both unfairly and unethically. Wolvekamp elucidates the political aspect of deforestation.