Method in the Madness

So far this blog has focused on the dramatic statistics of deforestation and the practice's horrific influence on climate change. Whether it's the fear of losing all our rainforests in 100 years or the concerns over global warming, the consequences of deforestation sound very alarming. If we're just hearing these facts for the first time, we're likely to panic and jump to polarized conclusions about this global issue, but allow us to investigate the benefits of deforestation. It can't be all bad, can it? After all, surely we're chopping all these trees down for a reason!

Financial gain obviously stands as the most prominent benefit of deforestation, but we should first consider each avenue these economic gains may take before yelling "CORPORATE GREED!" in sheer frustration. The money earned through deforestation reaches far beyond the logging companies and timber industries that provide us with the fuel and basic utilities we need to maintain our lifestyles. It is important to understand that forests aren't just cleared to use the wood; the resulting open space is just as valuable!

In a world that's seen its human population double since 1970, many farmers are struggling to find room to grow their crops. Deforestation clears agricultural land that small time farmers can use to earn a valuable income. Impoverished workers can now maintain enough land to provide for their families and earn commercial benefits for the crops they produce. Of course, low-key subsistence farmers are not the only ones benefiting from this cleared land, as many major agricultural companies take advantage of this as well, but it's still money in the pockets of people that are just trying to make a living.

             
                             This graphic is courtesy of Population Education.

Even if we're angry with some of the larger agricultural corporations running the show, it's difficult to deny the production of more crops. With over 7 billion mouths to feed and a rising population, this planet is going to need a lot more food in the years to come. Dramatically reducing deforestation would severely limit the amount of food that comes from agricultural sectors across the globe.

Not only may this freshly cleared land be used to grow valuable crops for a hungry planet, but the space can be used for housing as well. The surplus population has to live somewhere, and urbanization in land previously occupied by trees can provide shelter for a wide variety of citizens. Without deforestation, room for construction sites would quickly run scarce as more and more people try to find a place to live. The opened space can also be used to establish improved infrastructure, such as better roads.

Furthermore, the products harvested from the forests can then be used to build the very homes and infrastructure that replace them. Wood is absolutely essential to a functioning society, and more wood must be accumulated to carry out the construction plans of new housing developments and other projects.

             
                               This image is compliments of Timothy Epp.

The one critical benefit that ties in with each of the positive gains listed above is all the employment deforestation offers. Somebody needs to cut down all those trees, and somebody needs to manufacture all the wood products. Jobs arise all over the place with deforestation as people are responsible for carrying out all the tasks associated with the clearing of forests, the distribution of lumber, the maintenance of farms, and the construction of new homes. These jobs are vital for the working class of this planet, providing income for millions of people with families of their own.

Lastly, one important aspect of deforestation that is often overlooked is that it helps developing countries across the world manage their debt. Many of the world's rainforests are located in developing nations, among the continents of South America, Africa, and Asia. Cutting down trees and marketing the product is a very lucrative business, and this helps developing countries gain better financial stability and pay off some of the large debts they have to lender countries like the United States.

             
                                        This map is provided by Weebly.

Deforestation has a purpose; people aren't just chopping down trees to defy the environment. While we tend to focus on the dangers and negative consequences of such a practice, it is important to be aware of the reasons this process exists in the first place. While the benefits may or may not outweigh the costs, it's vital to understand both sides of the story if we are to develop informed plans of how to take action.