Forest
Forests are the lifeline of the existence of the earth. Without forest cover on this planet, devastating and cascading effects on the life cycle and climate change can be seen with a negative impact on human life.
Forests are an intricate ecosystem on earth that contains trees, shrubs, grasses, and more. The constituents of forests which are trees and plants form a major part of the forests. They create a healthy environment so that various species of animals can breed and live there happily. Forests are also a blessing for mankind as it provides many resources that human beings can use in order to survive and prosper.
Forests cover a significant area of the earth. They are a great natural asset to any region and hold immense value. Forests fulfil all our needs of timber, fuel, fodder, bamboo, and more. They also give us a variety of products that hold great commercial as well as industrial value.
Forests give us a large number of raw materials for various products like paper, rayon, gums, medicinal drugs, and more. Forests are also a major source of employment for a significant population.
Forests are largely responsible for preserving the physical features of our planet. They monitor soil erosion and prevent it from happening. They alleviate floods by making the streams flow continually.
Forests are a habitat for wildlife. They provide them with shelter and food. It is quite important to protect forests and furthermore enhance the forest cover for a greener and sustainable future.
Forests are home to many wild animals like elephants, tigers, lions, cheetahs, rhinoceros, wolves, etc. which would otherwise become extinct if they are made to live without forests. And these animals are of utmost importance for a healthy food cycle. Each animal, whether carnivorous or herbivores or omnivorous, has to play their part in maintaining this food cycle. Any disturbance in the cycle will lead to a ripple effect that can affect the food chain which ultimately leads to the extinction of animals and human beings.
Early humans were solely dependent on the forest for food and fuel to eat and survive. But as man evolved and his mental horizon expanded, he started taking advantage of various other resources that forests provide us with, including cutting down forest land for agriculture purposes, killing animals for furs, horns, and organs, and conducting deforestation drives to expand cities and villages.
This greed and irresponsibility of mankind have led to a decrease in the forest cover in the world leading to global warming, floods, desertification, forest fires, extinction, biodiversity losses, and much more.
Forest are being wiped out and trees are being cut down at a rapid rate. To meet the other needs of humans, we are losing sight of the bigger picture. People need to take steps to improve the forest cover rather than decrease it. The government must regulate the cutting down of trees. We must adopt proper methods which ensure the regrowth of trees. This way, we will be able to fulfil both needs.
Forests are a great blessing to nature. Various types of forests are home to a thousand animals and also a means of livelihood for numerous people. We must recognize the importance of forests and take proper measures to tackle the issue of deforestation.