Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Environmental Damage



Currently, the largest threat to taiga is deforestation. More than half of Canada's boreal forests are owned by logging companies to cut down. The main method of logging in Canada is clearcutting, or the removal of most or all trees in an area. This often leaves barren wastelands where entire ecosystems once were. However, many countries are starting to end this. Canada recently put over 13,000 square kilometers under protection. If more similar precautions were taken, deforestation would be a much lesser issue. If change doesn't occur quickly, boreal forests could all but disappear.

Another problem which taiga faces is global warming.Global warming is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels by humans is the largest contributer. In 2007, it was estimated that the average surface temperature increased 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit during the 20'th century. Due to increased temperatures, many species have lost their habitats, especially in tundra. In taiga, global warming can cause forest fires and drunken trees. Recycling paper, plastic and metal makes a huge difference is combating climate change. This also leads to less deforestation. Another way to help is to use less gasoline and electricity. If global warming continues, there may be no polar ice left. This would lead to widespread flooding and countless deaths.

 44° 6'36.51"N
142°38'29.55"E

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