Changes in Global Forest Coverage
Deforestation
- An estimated 1.6 billion people depend on forests and more than 90% of these are in developing countries
- Forests are essential for human well-being through their services as well as being the source of 80% of global biodiveristy
The Forest Ecosystem Services
Type of Service |
Description |
Supporting Functions |
|
Provision of Goods |
|
Regulation of Earth’s Systems |
|
Cultural Value |
|
- An estimated 13 million hectares of forests between 2000 and 2010 were affected by deforestation
Annual Deforestation in 2016
- However, the net loss was reduced because of afforestation
- The environmental Kuznets curve suggests that communities reach a tipping point where exploitation of forests changes to more protection
- The changes in attitudes are usually dependent on:
- The wealth of a country
- Increasing knowledge of the role that the environment plays in our well-being
- Aid given to developing countries to help reduce exploitation
- Political systems and introduction and enforcement of environmental laws
- The involvement of locals
- The power and influence of TNCs
The Environmental Kuznets Curve
- It is hoped that the sustainable management of forests will reduce deforestation and as a result reduce carbon emissions from forests
- Currently, 18% of forests are classed as conserved
- Brazil and the USA have the largest National Parks and Forest Reserves
- Successful reduction of forest loss in the long term requires:
- Protective legislation
- Community involvement in planning and developing policies
Exam Tip
Make sure you are able to provide examples of the services that ecosystems (especially forests) provide that are essential for human well-being