Since the Industrial revolution, deforestation has accelerated worldwide and it has adversely impacted our environment. From rising sea levels to global warming and the greenhouse effect, deforestation has had an adverse impact on our planet. One of the best solutions to deforestation is afforestation.
Deforestation has a great negative impact on the environment. The most dramatic impact is a loss of trees, forests drive climate change, and several other problems have risen in the ecosystem.
What is the Difference Between Afforestation and Deforestation?
The difference between afforestation and deforestation are summarized below:
| Afforestation | Deforestation |
| Afforestation is the planting of trees in an area where there was no tree cover previously. | Deforestation is the destruction of trees and forests for human habitation and use. |
| Afforestation has a beneficial effect on the environment. | Deforestation has a detrimental effect on the environment. |
| The main reason for afforestation is to control carbon footprint and to ensure the sustainability of the natural environment. | Deforestation is a result of industrialization, globalization and urbanization. |
| Afforestation can ensure balance and survival for all life on earth. | Deforestation, if left unchecked, leads to global warming, rising sea levels and encroachment or possible extinction of wildlife. |
Also Refer: Reforestation – Planting Trees
The human population has been ever-growing since the 1800s when the recorded population was one billion. It is estimated that the population will touch 8.6 billion by 2030 and grow even more in the next century. These factors suggest that deforestation cannot be completely eliminated but hopefully, be controlled to an extent. Afforestation helps to maintain equilibrium and prevent upsetting the natural forces at play.
Stay tuned with BYJU’S to know more about afforestation, deforestation and their differences.
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