Effects of deforestation on biodiversity

Tajul Islam: One of the most serious environmental problems facing society today is global
warming. Global warming has been linked to shortages of food supplies and
the increase in infectious diseases as well as changes in the various biological
ecosystems of the world, which are already having profound effects on human
life and health.

The effects of global warming are having on human health and the
environment. Deforestation not only hurts different climates around the world,
but it also poses a big threat to the plants and animals that live within the forest.
The forests are correctly termed as the lungs of the world and. As without
lungs, it is impossible for humans to breathe, similarly without a suitable
number of forests and trees.

Forests are essential in maintaining environmental balance by absorbing
carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. To cut down the
ratio of carbon dioxide as compared to oxygen gas, it is important that the
naturally occurring forests must be conserved and there should be afforestation
instead of de-forestation. Several other severe effects of global warming like
melting of glaciers, Loss of Habitat, Increased Greenhouse Gases, Soil
Erosion, increase in sea levels, famine, heavy precipitations, hurricanes, and
typhoons, etc.

Bangladesh is a very small but densely populated country with very rich
biological diversity. Because of its zoogeographical location. Bangladesh
plays a significant role in terms of the migratory species, acting as the flyways
or the staging ground for wildlife movements of the region. Despite having a
rich biodiversity, Bangladesh has one of the lowest per capita forestlands in
the world. Moreover, the country has also experienced one of the highest rates
of deforestation in South Asia, 2600 hectares per year. Forests also serve to
hold soil from excessive erosion and to maintain the integrity of watersheds
and freshwater supplies.

Deforestation can directly lead to biodiversity loss when animal species that
live in the trees no longer have their habitat, cannot relocate, and therefore
become extinct. Deforestation can lead certain tree species to permanently disappear. It only hurts different climates around the world, it also poses a big
threat to the plants and animals that live within the forest. It’s a shame to see
animals go extinct. Each species of animal plays a vital role in the food chain
that could make a noticeable difference in animals and human survival in the
future.

When deforestation occurs it causes animals to lose their habitats which means
they have to adapt to a new environment and if not they become extinct.
Climates can play a huge role in where and why that species of animals and
plants live there. If we continue to decrease the living space for those animals
and plants soon the consequences will be irreversible.
Biologists believe that some diseases can be cured within the biology of these
rare plants and animals. As for me, wanting to go into Wildlife Biology, this
causes a huge step back. If most of the plants and animals will be extinct by
the time I graduate, the chance for finding new species and new cures is gone.
The protection of these animals and plants is crucial to maintain the beauty of
the earth and the biodiversity that lives within it.