Deforestation and Climate Change Impact

Growing climate changes in the United States consist of increases in heavy rains, rising sea levels and temperatures, growing seasons are lengthening and the ocean, rivers and lakes remain ice-free for longer periods of time. These observed changes are projected to continue to grow.

Deforestation has a major impact on climate change. Forests are cut and fragmented by timber harvest, turned to farm land, road-building, human-caused fire, and in many other ways. The effort to use the forest has been a constant issue in the transformation of the earth. Deforestation has important implications for life on this planet.

As climate changes continue in this part of the world, livestock and crop production will be stressed and challenged. Increased heat, weather extremes, water issues and more insect issues will challenge the livestock and crop production.

Poor air quality, weather changes and diseases that are transmitted by insects will put even more stress on our health infrastructure.

We can begin by reducing emissions to limit future warming, and start to adapt to the changes that are certain. The rate of future deforestation and climate change will depend on current and future of emissions of heat-trapping gases and airborne particles.

The EPA has a list of several things we can do to help reduce deforestation and climate change reducing our carbon footprint.

1. CHANGE LIGHTS - in addition to saving money on your energy bills you can help the environment by replacing your light bulbs with Energy Star bulbs. If everyone one in the US changed their bulbs to the more energy efficient bulbs we could lower greenhouse gases equivalent to emissions of almost 10 million cars.

2. LOOK FOR ENERGY STAR PRODUCTS - When you are in the market for new appliances make sure to purchase brands that contain the Energy Star label. Appliances that contain the Energy Star rating can be found in home electronics, furnaces, air conditioners, lighting and other appliances.

3.  HEAT AND COOL YOUR HOME SMARTLY - tune clean your furnace and air conditioners yearly, change filters regularly and when it is time to replace these items look for energy efficent replacements.

4.  INSULATE YOUR HOME - Seal your air leaks, add insulation to your home attic and basement.  Insulate your ducts and hot water heater.  This can decrease emissions as well as your energy bills.

5. USE GREEN POWER - environmentally friendly electricity produced from wind and solar are considered green power. You can purchase green power directly from your local utility provider or create your own green power by installing solar panels. There are also various devices you can use in your home such as Monster Green Power that have an impact as well.

6. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE - recycle your newspapers, cans, paper and other goods. Use products in containers that can be recycled and items that can be repaired or reused

7. BE GREEN IN YOUR YARD - Use a people-powered push mower and if you do have a gas mower make sure it is mulching mower and leave the clippings on your yard or compost it.

Even if you are of the opinion that deforestation and climate change is not the result of human action, we can all chip in and make a difference with conserving energy, conserving water and recycling to reduce our carbon footprint on our planet. You not only will save money in your conservation effort, you can make a difference in reducing emissions. It is the only planet we have so let do our part.