To the editor:

Do you care about what happens to our environment? This question made me realize the true effect of deforestation. I think we have to start reducing deforestation and stop destroying the environment around the world. I believe we should do this because deforestation has a negative effect on the environment. It also drives climate changes.

Deforestation can change the environment. According to National Geographic, 80 percent of earth’s land animals and plants live in forests, but many do not survive deforestation. About half the world’s tropical forests have been cleared, according to Live Science. According to the World Wildlife Fund the earth loses 18.7 million acres of forests per year, which is equal to 27 soccer fields every minute.

Another reason for believing this is because according to National Geographic, trees help make the water cycle by returning water vapor to the atmosphere. According to The World Counts, 20 percent of our oxygen comes from the Amazonian rainforest. It also helps regulate the earth’s temperature and weather patterns.

We have to start reducing deforestation and stop destroying our environment to regulate climate change now to avoid more devastating conditions in the future. Start thinking about your actions and how they’re affecting the environment. Even though it might seem little now, it could be a big problem in the near future.

Natasha Blomme

Cottonwood