Consequences of Deforestation
Deforestation leads to many issues. It affects the lives of the people and animals that live in Indonesia, and it damages the balance in the environment.
Pollution of Oxygen and water
Factories and excessive fuel burning are releasing dangerous air pollution into the atmosphere. The toxic air is harmful to organisms, and increases the risk of lung cancer. It is also the main cause of acid rain and climate change. Pollution can also be from industrial waste and chemicals dumped into water resources. Contaminated water kills the marine life, and is unfit for human use.
Loss in Biodiversity
Indonesia has the third largest rainforest in the world. The forests are home to many diverse species, including orangutans, sumatran tigers, and sumatran elephants. Unfortunately, many of these animals are being threatened due to the destruction of the ecosystem. Many species are suffering from habitat loss and man-caused disruptions, such as noisy highways cutting through the remaining forests. If the rate of deforestation continues, many species will become extinct within a few years.
Climate Change
Climate change, or global warming, is caused by the increasing greenhouse effect. This is when the gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide or methane, trap heat from radiating back into space. This causes rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and melting icecaps. This climate change will also result in droughts and hurricanes occurring more often.
Disrupted Livelihoods
The rain forests offer many valuable natural resources, such as food, water, medicine and shelter. Many of the indigenous people who live in Indonesia's forests depend on their environment for a home and a job. However, the culture and lives of these people are being destroyed along with their rain forests.
