1) Forests are often termed as the green lungs of our Earth as they absorb billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide every year via photosynthesis. Forests thus take in a significant amount of global greenhouse gas emissions. With uncontrolled deforestation, there would be fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, causing carbon dioxide levels would increase. This would lead to global warming.
2) Extinction of animal species since there is a loss of habitat.
negative impacts
There has been changing land use in Singapore. As Singapore has a limited land area and a high population density, forests are cleared to make way for the building of houses and other infrastructure in Singapore. Also, the purpose of cutting down trees is to produce papers for our daily usage.
Why Deforestation?
Deforestation
1) More houses and recreational facilities can be built to meet our needs.
2) Products made from deforestation (eg. wooden furniture, paper, leaves with medicinal properties) provide income for people.
3) The cleared land can be used for agricultural purposes, which leads to an abundance of the production of food and in turn solve the problem of food shortage.
positive impacts
1. Increased number of green spaces in the city to balance the oxygen level in the atmosphere.
2. Plant-a-Tree programme in Singapore introduced to sustain greenery and also for the future of our country.
measures taken
1. Recycle paper.
2. Use paper sparingly, and decrease the demand for paper. In turn, lesser trees will be cut down.
3. Enforce logging regulations.
4. Raise awareness of deforestation.
measures that can be taken
Photo credit: Team member Tan Qian Hui
Photo credit: Team member Tan Qian Hui
Photo credit: Team member Tan Qian Hui
Photo credit: Team member Tan Qian Hui
