For as much as the causes of deforestation could keep being put up for a continuous debate, the fact of the matter is that it represents an environmental issue. Namely, human overpopulation creates the need for additional agricultural land, and more often than not, construction of consumer-driven industrial facilities or our ceaseless demand for solid fuel energy, tend to play a major part in such discussions. But, as the consequences of these human necessities become the cause of further environmental deterioration, the humanity finds itself stuck in a vicious circle that can hardly be broken unless a radical change in our awareness is made. We’ve run out of time to debate, now it’s time to act.

An irresponsible approach to deforestation can have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on the environment. If it’s not conducted carefully, precautiously, with adequate knowledge and sufficient resources, the bare ground can become susceptible to erosions of soil and formation of a wasteland. Furthermore, the residents of the hypothetical area in question can opt for immigration which has its own societal downsides. Apart from having effects on uprooting of population and newly-induced soil aridity, the land-clearing can lead to the reduction of the atmospheric carbon dioxide bio-sequestration and contribute to the climate change which is an ongoing process that can only be mitigated and eventually stopped if the sense of collective responsibility amongst humans is adopted. Another one of the devastating consequences of clear cutting is the loss of biodiversity that takes place wherever the damage to a natural habitat of the flora and fauna occurs. The interference with the laws of nature is even more detrimental to the environment if it’s done without proper understanding of its possible dangers and the ways of it spiraling out of control. We’re the eye-witnesses of the immediate consequences of such actions and therefore the only ones that have the power to put a stop to it.

In order to diminish the unfavourable outcomes of the previous mistakes and to manage our future relationship with nature, not only the above-mentioned divulgation of knowledge, awareness, responsibility and solidarity is required, but also a determination to create practical measures in dealing with the issues on a global scale. Developing a spectrum of sustainable practices that includes reforestation and afforestation, prevention of further deforestation and preservation of certain wooden areas of particular importance, as well as creating a more elaborate set of laws and regulations, is usually seen as a firm step forward, at least in theory. There’s still a long road ahead of us if we want to reverse the global warming process and secure the future of our planet, given that there are numerous economic and political factors and disparities of that kind that are a major stumbling block when it comes to the international dialogue. Although one thing is for sure: all life-changing activities in the world’s history began with an individual.