INDEX

INTRODUCTION

I - DEFORESTATION

1.1 - Deforestation what is it?.................................................................3

1.2 - Modes of Deforestation..............................................................................5

1.3 - Causes of deforestation...............................................................................5

1.4 - Deforestation in the world

II–DESERTIFICATION

2.1 - What is desertification?

2.2 - The main consequences of desertification..............................................6

2.3. The process of desertification

2.4 - Desertification in the world...............................................................................9

2.5 - Combating Desertification..............................................................................9

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY.............................................................................................................12

1
 INTRODUCTION

In this research work of the FAI discipline, we will talk about the
deforestation and desertification. Deforestation is
the process of forest mass disappearance, fundamentally caused by the
[Link] is directly caused by the action ofman
about thenaturemainly due to the destruction of forests for the purpose of obtaining
onlyfor cropsagriculturalor for extraction ofMadeira,on behalf of theindustry
[Link] consequence of deforestation is the disappearance of absorbers of
carbon dioxidereducing the capacity of theenvironmentin absorbing the
huge amounts of this causative agent ofgreenhouse effectand worsening the problem of
global warming.

As for desertification, it is the phenomenon that corresponds to the transformation of a

area in a desert. According to the United Nations Convention on Combat Against

Desertification, desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and

dry subhumid, resulting from various factors, including climate variations and the
human activities.

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 I. DEFORESTATION
1.1 - Deforestation what is it?

The deforestation process consists of the large-scale removal of large

portions of forest, prior to their replacement by other land uses. In good
Portuguese can be described as the felling of trees with a view to using the land they occupy.
busy for other purposes, economically more profitable than having a set of
living beings that control the soil water cycles and air recycling, with production
of oxygen. It is due to this materialist way of thinking that deforestation was
for many years seen as a driver of the development of the economy of
a country, since with it the 'capital' of a forest is liquidated, making way for
other forms of profit, such as food production, raw materials, energy, or
construction of infrastructure.

Deforestation should be distinguished from forest degradation, which consists of

reduction in the quality of forests, which is associated with it. Together, they have results
devastatorsoil erosionthe destabilization of watersheds, resulting in
droughts and flooding. The deforestation of tropical forests also results in the reduction
of biodiversity and, since forests play an important role in
removal of Carbon Dioxide, deforestation also results in the increase of the effect
of stove.

1.2 - Modes of Deforestation

Deforestation by logging and burning (slash&burn) represents 45% of

Deforestation in Africa and Southeast Asia in 1980. The burning of these enormous
forest portions release huge amounts of carbon dioxide, which comes
greatly increase the greenhouse effect. It is practiced by small farmers.
scale and its results after a few years of cultivation, the soils can no longer support
crops, in addition to wild herbs, and the lands are purely and simply abandoned,
changing farmers to new forests.

Deforestation for timber harvesting is a significant source of

Deforestation in Southeast Asia and, until around 1990, in West Africa. Many of the
sometimes, this 'harvesting' damages more wood than it extracts. The wood extractors in

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northwest Pacific of North America and in Siberia often replace the
trees felled for new plantations, or leave the area to regenerate
naturally. Unfortunately, soil erosion and degradation occurs while the area does not
fully recover. This valley in Costa Rica is suffering from soil erosion, as
consequence of the loss of support provided by the trees. If the process continues,
this region may eventually resemble a desert.

The 'liberation' of land for established agriculture, on infertile soils, results

only in short-term gains. However, well-planned culling has produced profits
sustainable, such as rubber and palm oil plantations, that maintain a
structure similar to that of a forest, helping with the conservation of soil and water,
what is an example of this rubber tree plantation in Ghana, which, although it preserves the
soil integrity inevitably reduces local biodiversity.

The 'liberation' for planting more productive forests, in terms of

the amount of wood produced has been very significant in Asia and America
However, although foresters today have some awareness of the deficiencies
environmental issues that arise from this rushed afforestation, where the entirety of the extent

forest is composed of the same species of tree, where all are of the same age, not
achieving the reproduction of the ecosystem provided by a diverse forest
with individuals of various ages.

The clearing for pastures was the main cause of deforestation, in

the 70s and 80s, in the forests of Brazil and Central America, motivated by
government sponsorship for the creation of cattle production ranches. The wildfires
Regular maintenance of pastures is very common in Africa. The slaughter for
wood fuel (charcoal) is a problem in the dry areas of Africa, of
Himalayas and the Andes.

The clearance of vast areas for colonization, mining, and exploration of

oil is of local importance, in Indonesia and Brazil where, until recently, the government
placed the population excesses from the large centers in the forests, so that there
they installed. The clearing of areas for the construction of roads and dams results in
directly in deforestation.

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 Many times, several deforestation agents occur sequentially: the
road development encourages timber exploitation, which provides
spaces for forest colonization for agricultural plantations, as well as production of
wood fuel (charcoal). About half of the total tropical forests
devastated areas are eventually used for cultivation.

1.3 - Causes of deforestation

In developing countries, the main cause of deforestation is

about the exploitation of raw materials from the forest, particularly,
own wood. These countries do not have many alternatives, they resort to resources
natural to survive. In developed countries, the main causes are:

Industrial and urban development,

Tourism growth,
Increase in cultivated area,
Infrastructure construction.

1.4 - Deforestation in the world

The economic and ecological importance of forests is very great, which is why the
Deforestation has enormous negative impacts.

The great tropical forests of developing countries are very

affected by deforestation. The main cause of deforestation is the exploitation of
raw material sourced from wood; on one hand, with few industries, these
countries turn to the use of this natural resource to develop; on the other hand, firewood
represents the main source of energy for many poor countries.

In the Amazon, many tribes live; with the disappearance of the forest,
they are also in danger. Without trees to build their houses and without animals.
to hunt, they cannot survive.

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 II. DESERTIFICATION

2.1 - What is desertification?

Desertification is a phenomenon in which a certain soil is transformed into

desert, through human action or natural process. In the process of desertification the
vegetation is reduced or completely eliminated through deforestation. In this process, the
only loses its properties, becoming infertile (loss of productive capacity). In the
In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the process of desertification.
In the world, the main affected areas are: the west of South America, the Middle East.
south of Africa, northwest of China, southwest of the United States, Australia and south of Asia.

This phenomenon affects approximately 60,000 square kilometers of

lands per year in various parts of the planet. The various human activities carried out
unsustainably, have caused drastic reductions in vegetation and capacity
productive soil. Among the main causes responsible for desertification are:

Deforestation of areas with native vegetation;

Intensive land use, both in agriculture and livestock;
Inadequate irrigation practices;
Mining.

2.2 - The main consequences of desertification

Elimination of vegetation cover;

Reduction of biodiversity;
Salinization and alkalization of the soil;
Intensification of the erosive process;
Reduction of the availability and quality of water resources;
Decrease in soil fertility and productivity;
Reduction of arable land;
Reduction of agricultural production;

Development of migratory flows.

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 About 15% of the Earth's surface is undergoing some form of desertification. This
the phenomenon affects more than 110 countries, harming the lives of more than 250 million people

people. The regions most affected by desertification are: West of South America,
North and South of Africa, Middle East, Central Asia, Northwest China, Australia and
Southwest of the United States.

In order to reduce the process of desertification, the Organization of the Nations

United Nations (UN) created, in 1994, the Commission against Desertification, whose main
the objective is to develop effective projects that can halt the expansion of this phenomenon,

mainly in the countries of Africa.

Desertification causes several problems and losses for humans. With the
formation of arid areas, the temperature rises and the level of air humidity decreases,
making life difficult for humans in these regions. With the infertile soil, the
the development of agriculture is also harmed, reducing production of
food and increasing hunger and poverty.

The environment is also harmed by this process. The formation of

deserts eliminate the life of thousands of animal and plant species, as it modifies
radically the ecosystem of the affected region. Desertification also favors the
soil erosion process, as the plants and trees no longer exist to 'hold' the
alone. June 17 is World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

2.3. The desertification process

The term desertification has been widely used for the loss of capacity
productivity of ecosystems caused by human activity. Due to the conditions
environmental, the economic activities developed in a region can exceed the
support and sustainability capacity. The process is barely perceptible in the short term.
deadline for local populations. There is also genetic erosion of fauna and flora, extinction of
species and eventual proliferation of exotic species.

What happens is a process in which the soil of certain places starts to

becoming increasingly barren. This means that the soil loses its nutrients and the
ability to bring forth any type of vegetation, whether natural forests or
crops made by humans.
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 Without vegetation, the rains become scarce, the soil becomes arid and lifeless, and the
survival becomes very difficult. Residents, farmers, and ranchers usually
they abandon these lands and go look for another place to live. In the case of deserts
sandy, originates from the impoverishment of the soil and the consequent death of the
vegetation, being replaced by sandy land. In the case of polar deserts, the cause
It is evident that the temperature in those regions is extremely low.

In semi-arid and dry semi-humid regions, human action intensifies the

processes of desertification. Unsustainable agricultural activities are
responsible for the main processes: the salinization of soils through irrigation, the
overgrazing and the depletion of soil due to intensive and unsustainable use of
water resources through intensive procedures not adapted to the conditions
environmental, in addition to inadequate management in agriculture.

The population growth and the consequent demand for energy and resources
natural factors also exert pressure for intensive use of land and resources
hydric.

The consequences of this process generate significant social and economic problems.
and cultural. First of all, it reduces the food supply. Besides this, there is the cost of
recovery of degraded environmental area. From an environmental point of view, the loss of
Native plant and animal species is a disastrous consequence. This is characterized by
proper name according to the understanding of the United Nations, since
the climate transforms into a desert, only a few species manage to adapt,
like Snakes and Rats.

Where we have cold winter nights and harsh summer days of

more than 40 degrees Celsius, that is, in the desert there is no so-called mid-season.
autumn and spring. Note that, currently, the spring and autumn weather is
decreasing and the time of summer and winter is increasing worldwide, according to
statistics in the works of renowned climatology specialists

Finally, social problems: the migration of populations to the centers

urban areas, generating poverty, unemployment, and violence. This establishes a
imbalance between the various regions of the world, since the areas susceptible to

8
desertification is found in poor regions where there is ignorance regarding the
land use and also where there is already a social inequality in environmental education to be
defeated.

2.4 - Desertification in the world

The risk of desertification affects 40% of the land surface, considering

urban and rural regions in this process, according to climatologists, involving a
a population of at least 2.6 billion people, tending to grow. In Africa,
It is estimated that 200 million people are affected by the process only in the region.
Sub-Saharan. Degradation in various sub-Saharan countries ranges from 20% to 50% of
territory.

2.5 - Combating Desertification

The dramatic situation of the population in various African countries, ravaged by

drought, hunger, and war have been mobilizing the United Nations (UN) since
1960s. The whole world was starting to follow images of the displacement of
thousands of African refugees, showcased by the media, in search of land, food and
peace. In the 1970s, large and intense migration movements intensified.
processes of environmental devastation began to be detected throughout Africa,
especially in the semi-arid region, south of the Sahara Desert, known as the Sahel.
The situation was characterized by poverty, hunger, and the destruction of vital natural resources.
(water, vegetation and soil).

This destructive process then came to be called desertification.

It was soon found that such a phenomenon did not occur exclusively in Africa,
but it extended to all other continents (except Antarctica),
mainly in countries with arid and semi-arid climates.

It was the beginning of the understanding, by the international community, that the
desertification should be treated as a global issue and, therefore,
needed actions of a global nature.

It was then convened, within the framework of the United Nations, a Conference

International Conference on the Human Environment, which was held in Stockholm, Sweden,

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in 1972. This Conference discussed numerous topics related to the environment
environment, including the African catastrophe, represented by the great drought of the Sahel (1967-

1970) and the resulting problems of desertification. During the Conference of

Stockholm (where World Environment Day was established, June 5) was
it became evident that there was a need for a specific event to discuss desertification further
deeply.

As a result, the United Nations Conference was held on

Desertification, held in 1977, in the city of Nairobi, Kenya. This conference had
a fundamental role in the entire process of fighting desertification in the world,
because it resulted in the global consolidation of the topic, leading many countries to start
to give greater importance to their environmental problems in general. In addition to the introduction of

regions with arid and semi-arid climates in the context of discussions, showing that the
Recurring problems of poverty and the environment needed to be addressed.
directly by the international community and in the creation of the Global Action Plan against
Desertification.

Despite these facts, the concrete results were quite modest in

terms of investment of resources and reversal of degradation processes. This was
established in 1991, when the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) conducted an evaluation of the actions undertaken within the scope of the Action Plan.

World Cup, noting its poor performance.

With these results, several countries facing desertification problems,

especially in Africa, they decided to propose the drafting of a convention on the
subject during the United Nations Conference on the Environment and
Development, in 1992, in Rio de Janeiro, known as Rio 92. A convention is
a stronger legal instrument, as it compels the countries that sign it to take on a
series of commitments, unlike a conference, where participation is voluntary.

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 CONCLUSION

I will conclude by talking about the attempt to try to contain the advancement of the

global warmingvarious international organizations propose reforestation,

however, this measure is only partially accepted by ecologists, as they believe
that the recovery of deforested areas cannot only take into account only to
elimination of carbon dioxide, but also to thebiodiversityfrom the whole region. The
reforestation is, at best, a set of trees situated according to a
artificially defined separation, among which appears aherbaceous vegetationyou
bush that usually does not appear in the natural forest. In the worst case, they are planted
non-native trees that occasionally damage the substrateas it happens in
many plantations of pine or eucalyptus.

The process of desertification exhausts the soil, which loses its ability to
to produce, as it no longer retains water; desertification is a natural process, but the
the action of man greatly accelerates this process. Deforestation, the misuse of land
can cause erosion, siltation, the use of vegetation that is not suitable for
that region draws a lot of water from the soil, dries out the soil, causes a process. In these
regions where it rains little and one has to know how to deal with rainwater - and furthermore it affects the
the country's economy and causes rural exodus.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Work investigated on the internet.

[Link]/tb/150600/[Link]

[Link]/Hollywood/Trailer/4205/[Link]

[Link]/approach/forest/resources/wood_tree/sheets/sheet3

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