How Does Deforestation Affect The Amazon Rainforest

“It is estimated that in 100 years, there will be no rainforests left. The rate of deforestation is equal to the loss of 20 football fields every minute.” (“Deforestation Facts” 1) As a result, there are fewer trees to absorb carbon emissions and groundwater, which affects climate and the water table. Deforestation is the loss of trees, usually due to manmade causes, such as urbanization, mining, logging, and agricultural activities. One of the most overall effected forests is the Amazon. The world’s most expansive forest, the Amazon, is the site of the greatest projected loss of natural life-sustaining habitat and beauty due to deforestation which makes efforts to conserve the forest and save its defenseless inhabitants a critical priority and essential duty of our time.

Deforestation affects the world in a negative way, with the most dramatic impact being the loss of habitat for millions of species. In fact, “80% of Earth’s land animals and plants live in forests.” (National Geographic Deforestation 1) Animals would lose shelter, food resources, and breeding area. Without an ample number of trees, the forests would lose its canopy which would cause extreme temperature

Often, forests are destroyed for land that is usually used for agricultural purposes such as farming and livestock production. However, the wood can be harvested for fuel and paper. Companies will often wipe out areas of the rainforest to mine for minerals and metals such as diamonds, oil, aluminum, gold, and copper. These materials, unfortunately, reside below the rainforest. Mining not only disrupts the ecosystem by getting rid of trees, but also by polluting water supplies when the poisonous chemicals they use to separate waste from the minerals. The pollution effects local people, as well as fish and animals. These acts unfavorably impact the environment and earth as a