Forests are the first domicile of human race and they are still important for acquiring various natural products and their by-products such as timber and paper. But, the non-economic benefits of forests are more significant for sustenance of men, animals and other lively creatures of flora and fauna. They control rainfall, protect soil, regulate climate and protect from many natural contingencies.
Unplanned urbanisation & industrialisation and the unending greed of rich countries contributed immensely in environment degradation, global warming and depletion of ozone. Moreover, primitive activities like agriculture and animal rearing also responsible for deforestation and environment degradation.
The 1998 flood in China compelled the government to think about forest cover and logging activities have been banned in various river basins. However, China continued to import timber and other forest products from other developing countries. Similar is the case with United States and European countries, they conserve their own natural resources but import forest products from the third world countries in abundant quantity. In 2011, US and Europe collectively imported forest products worth $130 billion.
At one end developed countries insist the third world countries to reduce their consumption based upon forests products, but on the other end they are reluctant to change their lifestyle and procure forests products from developing countries. It is irony to say that west consumes most of these products but blame poor countries for deforestation and environment degradation. We expect more bites than buzz and concrete actions than mere lip-service. Environment protection policies made by developed countries are lacking in purpose and sincerity, they are continuously polluting the planet Earth in the name of growth and development. It is the responsibility of developed countries to make environment protection policies considering the need of poor and underdeveloped countries and they should talk about sustainable and inclusive growth of the whole world, not the area specific growth.
Well expressed. Developed countries preach third world countries for the dangers of deforestation and global warming, but these countries are not ready to compromise with their luxurious life style. Developing countries are forced to exploit resources mainly due to their incessant demands for forest products.
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