
KECH:
Deforestation, the removal or cutting of forests, has significant environmental repercussions for Pakistan. This practice leads to the loss of trees and vegetation, causing a range of issues including climate change, desertification, soil erosion, reduced crop yields, flooding and greenhouse gas buildup in the atmosphere. Indigenous communities also face challenges due to deforestation.
One major consequence of deforestation is its impact on climate change. Trees store carbon and when they are cut down, the stored carbon is released as carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. Additionally, the absence of plant cover leads to soil erosion, with soil being carried away by water into rivers. The replacement of trees with agricultural crops often exacerbates soil erosion as the plant of many crops, such as cotton, palm oil, soybeans, and wheat, cannot effectively prevent soil loss. Deforestation, combined with global warming, disrupts seasons and causes extreme temperature variations, evident by the record-high temperatures this year, reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius. Glacier melting in the Himalayas further emphasises the urgency of reforestation.
Promoting reforestation is essential. Industries must prioritise tree growth, benefiting both production and the environment. Individuals can contribute by planting small trees at home to aid environmental recovery. Government intervention is equally vital, particularly in cracking down on illegal tree cutting.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2023.
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