Industrial Revolution and Impact on Forests
Introduction
Capitalism Emerging at the end of the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution meant significant changes in society with reference to advancements in economic status and the use of technology and resources. But without any doubt, one of the areas where the ‘scientific-technical revolution’ had its most profound influence was in the destruction of the world’s forests and deforestation accompanied by ecological devastation.
Deforestation and Resource Exploitation: This is because, during the Industrial Revolution, there was increased demand for raw materials such as timber and land for agriculture. This took its toll on the forests in terms of deforestation, which occurred at this time to feed the Middle Ages demand for wood, which was so much needed in construction, boat construction, and steam engines. In addition, vast tracts of the forest were converted for agricultural production so as to support the expanding urban population and fickle markets for meats and other animal produce.
Habitat Destruction and Biodiversity Loss: This period also saw a very massive fall of trees, which directly affected the various ecosystems of many plants and animals. The sustainability of forest ecosystems was affected either by cutting them or prior division; it is inimical to the existence or life of many species of animals and plants. These changes impacted the structure of the forests and the other systems of ecosystems; equilibrium was changed, and one could not restore it.
Impact on Climate and Environment: Tropical forests do prevent the rate of global warming as they remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and regulate the hydrological cycle. Back in the Industrial Revolution period, people just cut down trees without replacement, and this led to the release of many carbons into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the area of forests was reduced all over the world, which negatively impacted situations that affected soil erosion, water quality deterioration, and changes in the climate of the area and the entire world.
Socioeconomic Consequences: The negative effect of lowering environmental standards through deforestation was not limited to the physical and social repercussions but it also had a number of socioeconomic ramifications. This impacted the indigenous and the rural folks greatly in that most of them relied on the forests to meet their needs because they were made to leave their homes, and homes, where they got their sources of income, was destroyed. This also meant the disintegration of the old economy based on the sustainable use of forest products, which was counterproductive and led to the loss of business and culture.
The Industrial Revolution contributed to the extermination of forest cover /habitats and also to climatic change. It underscores the need for a sustainable approach to increase the opportunity to not worsen the environmental situation and save forests, which are very important for sustaining different species and decreasing negative effects. As such, organized stewardship should be practiced in the future to ensure sustainability.
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