Land use change, primarily through deforestation, is responsible for 12–20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, as highlighted by The London School of Economics and Political Science. The degradation of forests and the destruction of tropical peatlands further exacerbate these emissions, with some tropical forests now emitting more carbon than they capture, ultimately transforming from carbon sinks into carbon sources. Notably, the southeastern part of the Amazon Rainforest has been identified as a net carbon source by scientists. This is concerning given the vital role forests play in our ecosystem; they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change. However, the loss of trees releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, intensifying global warming. In the last decade, significant deforestation has predominantly occurred in the humid tropics, particularly in Africa and South America, with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation estimating around 420 million hectares of forest lost between 1990 and 2020. Despite a slowdown in the annual rate of deforestation, which remains at 10 million hectares per year between 2015 and 2020, the primary driver of this destruction is the soaring global demand for agricultural commodities. Agribusinesses are clearing vast tracts of forest to cultivate high-value cash crops like palm oil and soya, as well as to make space for cattle ranching. This not only results in habitat loss for countless wildlife species but also contributes significantly to climate change by releasing even more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Therefore, the actions of humans, particularly within the agricultural sector, are crucial contributors to both global warming and environmental degradation, underscoring the urgent need for more sustainable practices.
assemble all of these 2 pieces of writing into one whole body paragraph
1“Land use change, principally deforestation, contributes 12–20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Forest degradation (changes that negatively affect a forest’s structure or function but that do not decrease its area), and the destruction of tropical peatlands, also contribute to these emissions. As a result of deforestation and degradation, some tropical forests now emit more carbon than they capture, turning them from a carbon ‘sink’ into a carbon source. For example, the south-eastern part of the Amazon Rainforest is now considered a net carbon source by scientists.” Was said by The London School of Economics and Political Science. Forests are so important because they help keep our planet healthy. They take in carbon dioxide from the air, which helps fight climate change. However, when we cut down trees, not only are we losing these forests, but we are also releasing carbon that was stored in the trees back into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.
2“In the last decade, the largest amounts of deforestation occurred across the humid tropics, mostly in Africa, followed by South America. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that around 420 million hectares of forest were lost between 1990 and 2020 (or 178 million hectares net, i.e. taking into account afforestation and the natural expansion of forests). The annual rate of deforestation has since slowed but was still 10 million hectares per year between 2015 and 2020. The most important driver of deforestation is the global demand for agricultural commodities: agribusinesses clear huge tracts of forest and use the land to plant high-value cash crops like palm oil and soya, and for cattle ranching.” Said The London School of Economics and Political Science. The main reason for this destruction is the high demand for agricultural products. Large companies, known as agribusinesses, clear vast areas of forest to grow cash crops like palm oil and soya, as well as to make space for cattle ranching. When trees are cut down, it not only removes habitats for wildlife but also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. Therefore, this evidence highlights the the actions of humans, especially in agriculture, are significant contributors to global warming and environmental degradation.
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Land use changes, mainly from cutting down forests, make up 12–20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to The London School of Economics and Political Science. When forests are damaged or destroyed, such as tropical peatlands, they can actually release more carbon dioxide than they absorb. Some tropical forests are now putting more carbon into the air than they take in, which means they are becoming carbon sources instead of carbon sinks. For example, scientists say that the southeastern part of the Amazon Rainforest is now a net carbon source. This is a big problem because forests are essential for a healthy planet; they absorb carbon dioxide, which helps fight climate change. But when we cut down trees, we not only lose these vital ecosystems, but we also release the carbon that was stored in the trees, making climate change worse.
In the past decade, most deforestation has happened in humid tropical regions, especially in Africa and South America. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that about 420 million hectares of forest were lost between 1990 and 2020. Although the rate of deforestation has slowed down, it is still about 10 million hectares each year from 2015 to 2020. The main reason for this deforestation is the high demand for agricultural products. Large companies, known as agribusinesses, clear huge areas of forest to grow cash crops like palm oil and soya or to create space for cattle ranching. This not only destroys homes for wildlife but also adds more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change. Overall, human activities, especially in agriculture, play a significant role in global warming and environmental damage, highlighting the urgent need for better practices to protect our forests.
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