Innovating to Extinction

Innovating to Extinction

Humans continue to consume and destroy vast quantities of the earth's natural resources. Two of the main resources we consume are land and water. We produce livestock and agricultural products from the rain forest through tropical deforestation without, it would seem a thought to the damage we are doing.

Our text tells us, "...it is generally clearing forests, or cutting down trees, to open land for crops and livestock that has the biggest impact."(Turk & Bensel, 2011). The text also tells us, "...deforestation meets some human needs; it also has profound, sometimes devastating, consequences, including social conflict, extinction of plants and animals, and climate change..." (Turk & Bensel, 2011).

Deforestation causes a tremendous amount of land loss each year. "One and one-half acres of rainforest are lost every second with tragic consequences for both developing and industrial countries."("The Disappearing Rainforest," 1996-2011).

Humans clear the forest to produce land they can open for crops and livestock. This livestock as well as the crops are then turned into meat, vegetables, etc. for food consumption by humans.

While it is necessary for human survival to produce these food sources, we are doing so at an alarming rate of destruction to the rainforests. It is estimated "...that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years."("The Disappearing Rainforest,"1996-2011).

There are several impacts to the earth's ecosystem as a result of deforestation. These impacts include soil impacts, social impacts and climate impacts. When we practice deforestation we impact the soil by what is termed as the slash and burn effect. This is when the area is burned to

make a top layer of ash to grow crops in. This causes the natural nutrients found in the soil to be lost forever. The social impact arises because we force people who are indigenous to the area to struggle to keep the only home they have ever known and our text tells us it "has sometimes triggered violent conflict."(Turk & Bensel, 2011).

We also know the climate is impacted through deforestation. This is because "...replacing tropical forests with a landscape of pasture and crops creates a drier, hotter climate in the tropics."(Turk & Bensel, 2011).

There are things we can do as humans to stop or at least slow down the effects of deforestation. We all realize it is necessary to raise livestock and vegetation to help maintain the world's food supply. However, we can use different methods and get the same results.

"Experts agree that by leaving the rainforests intact and harvesting its many nuts, fruits, oil-producing plants, and medicinal plants, the rainforest