Deforestation in Bangladesh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv8uGmUzjsk

Causes The increasing demand of land for agriculture, homes, and industries caused by a population explosion has taken a heavy toll on the country’s forests since the early 20th century. In 1910, the country’s population was 40 million but now it has more than tripled to 140 million. More space to live and farm to feed these people is needed Wood is burned for cooking In the 1980s, the rate of destruction of forests in the country was 8,000 hectares per year. Now it has gone up to 37,700 hectares per year. The annual deforestation rate is 3.3% - many hardwoods are used for furniture for the western market.

Effects There are widespread effects of deforestation: Soil erosion in the immediate areas: this has secondary effects as the soil ultimately washes down to rivers and causes floods. Reduction of rainfall: this results from the lack of evaporation from leaves, as none remain, and from the reduction in the absorptive capacity of the ground. This causes droughts. Climatic changes: perhaps the most devastating effect of deforestation, this its effects all over the world. It is a major reason for global warming. Nature: forests are home to man exotic species of plants and animals. These species lose their habitat, and this is a great loss to the ecology and the scientific community.

Solutions Reforestation (re-stocking woodlands that have been depleted), Afforestation programs (planting trees on areas formerly used for other purposes) have taken place throughout the country to maintain an ecological balance, for example, strip plantations alongside railways, roads and embankments and coastal afforestation programs Different cooking methods – kerosene All backed by a government policy of ‘conservation’

Effects Causes Effects Solutions Barriers to these solutions