Deforestation and Forest Ecosystems

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Why does deforestation commonly occur in Haiti?

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Deforestation commonly occurs in Haiti due to the growing population's heavy reliance on natural resources. People depend on forests for firewood, building materials, charcoal, and agricultural expansion, as they cannot afford more expensive energy sources. The high demand for charcoal leads to mass deforestation.

Front

What is one strategy to reduce deforestation in less-developed countries?

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Encouraging sustainable forestry/agriculture programs, such as reforestation, where a new tree is planted for every tree cut down. This helps maintain biodiversity, prevents soil degradation, and allows timber industries to operate sustainably.

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What are two environmental benefits of maintaining forest ecosystems?

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1. Biodiversity conservation: Preserving forests protects habitats of many organisms, essential for ecosystem health. 2. Carbon sequestration: Forests absorb carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gases.

Front

What are three benefits of mangroves?

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1. Spawning ground for fish, increasing biodiversity and providing food for fishermen. 2. Stabilizes coastlines, reducing erosion from storm surges and tides. 3. Stores twice as much carbon as rainforests, helping combat climate issues.

Front

How is the role of fire in forests different in Haiti compared to the US?

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In Haiti, fire is used for agricultural clearing and charcoal production, leading to uncontrolled fires that destroy ecosystems. In the US, wildfires occur due to debris accumulation and climate change, but controlled burns are also used for land management.

Front

Why are forest fires increasing in parts of the United States today?

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Forest fires are increasing in the US due to debris accumulation providing fuel, climate change causing droughts and hotter conditions, and urban sprawl leading to vegetation buildup that acts as fuel for wildfires.

Front

What is the impact of urban sprawl on forest ecosystems?

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Urban sprawl leads to habitat fragmentation, increased pollution, and greater human-wildlife conflicts. It also contributes to the accumulation of vegetation that can fuel wildfires.

Front

How do mangroves contribute to climate change mitigation?

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Mangroves store large amounts of carbon in their biomass and soil, acting as significant carbon sinks. This helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, mitigating climate change.

Front

What role do controlled burns play in forest management?

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Controlled burns help reduce the risk of large wildfires by removing excess vegetation and debris. They also promote the growth of native plant species and maintain the health of forest ecosystems.

Front

How do forests contribute to the water cycle?

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Forests play a crucial role in the water cycle by absorbing rainfall, reducing runoff, and releasing water vapor through transpiration. This helps maintain local and global water balance and supports freshwater ecosystems.