Natural Resources and Energy Paper

A forest is a natural resource needed by the earth, humans, and species. There are three types of forests. The three types include “tropical, temperate, boreal forests” (The forest biome p. 1, 2006). Recently forests occupy about “one-third of Earth’s land area, and account for over two-thirds of the leaf area of land plants, and contain about 70% of carbon present in living things” (The forest biome p. 1, 2006). Forests produce vital oxygen and provide homes for people and wildlife. Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change. A forest have several management practices for sustainability and conservation. There are several risks and benefits of extracting and using one type of nonrenewable and one type of renewable energy. The growth of human population has affected forest resources in several ways. The affected forests have caused harm to the population of wild species and have majorly impacted agriculture.

Impacts associated with agriculture

Between 2000 and 2010 about 13 million hectares of forests were lost per year to agriculture and other uses (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2013). Agroecosystems are very different from the ecosystems seen in nature. Unlike natural ecosystems, agroecosystems are large areas that have been planted with a single species or single strain or subspecies. This often makes them more susceptible to disease. Also, the agroecosystems are often planted in simple geometric shapes making it easier for pests to destroy crops. In the natural world, many different plants grow together making it more difficult for pests to destroy plant life. Agriculture can also lead to erosion (Botkin, 2011).

The development of agriculture has led to a patchwork of habitat type across landscapes. Small-scale farming results in agroecosystems being surrounded by natural landscapes on the other hand, with large-farming the result is just the opposite. The fragmentation created by agriculture can alter the energy balance by increasing the solar radiation that reaches the ground and increasing reradiation at night, change the species composition in fragments and edge communities, change the species composition in fragments and edge communities and change the rate of rainfall interception, evapotranspiration, runoff, and erosion (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, n.d).

Agricultural runoff can also have a negative impact on the environment. According to Tom Beyerlein (2010), “Agricultural runoff can be loaded with nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients in manure and synthetic fertilizers. In excessive quantities they deplete oxygen in streams and, with fecal bacteria, make waterways unfit for recreational use and harmful to aquatic life.” In the state of Florida, nitrogen runoff from the Upper Great Miami Watershed has contributed greatly to aquatic dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 6,000 square miles. The nitrogen runoff spurs the growth of oxygen depleting algae (Beyerlein, 2010).

Human population

Animals and people rely on the benefits forests provide. The benefits include “food, fresh water, clothing, traditional medicine and shelter” (The forest biome p. 1, 2006). The human population has changed forests in several ways. The main reason for the change is because “human populations have increased over the past several thousand years, bringing deforestation, pollution, and industrial usage problems” (The forest biome p. 1, 2006). People around the world depend on forests for “hunting, gathering, and medicine. Also forest products such as rubber and rattan, and small-scale agriculture” (World Wild Life p. 1, 2013). Deforestation disrupts one life in several cases with devastating consequences. There are several forms of deforestation caused by the human population. The forms of deforestation include “fires, clear-cutting for agriculture, ranching and development, unsustainable logging for timber and degradation due to climate change” (World Wild Life p. 1, 2013). Deforestation is a major concern in “tropical rainforests because these forests are home too much of the world’s biodiversity” (World Wild Life p. 1, 2013). Deforestation also happens over a period as a result of ongoing forest “degradation as temperatures rise due to climate change caused by human activity” (World Wild Life p. 1, 2013). Another issue caused by the human population is fires. Each year several “acres of forest around the world are destroyed or degraded by fire” (World Wild Life p. 1, 2013). One use fire as a way to clear land for other uses such as planting crops. These “fires not only alter the structure and composition of forests, but can open forests up to invasive species, threaten biological diversity, alter water cycles and soil fertility, and destroy the livelihoods of the people who live in and around the forests” (World Wild Life p. 1, 2013).

According to Botkin (2011) the conservation of wilderness is a relatively new concept that was introduced in the second half of the 20th century, a concept that is likely to become more important as the human population increases and the effects of civilization become more pervasive throughout the world. In 1964 the United States government adopted the Wilderness Act, this legislation marked the first time anywhere that wilderness was recognized by national law as a national treasure to be preserved (Botkin, 2011). The Wilderness Act is considered one of America’s greatest conservation achievements because it created a way for Congress to protect pristine wild lands by designating them as protected wilderness, created the National Wilderness Preservation System, which manages the nation’s protected wilderness areas, and immediately put “9.1 million acres of wild American lands into the National Wilderness Preservation System, protecting them as designated wilderness” (The Wilderness Society p. 1, 2013).

According to the Pinchot Institute for Conservation (2006) new challenges confront the owners and managers of America’s forests. This includes an increasing number of major wildfires, invasive species and other insects and diseases, environmental degradation from recreation overuse, climate change, and fragmentation of forests by development and changes in forest ownership. In 2006 the Pinchot Institute for Conservation made almost a dozen recommendations to advance sustainable forest management within the United States.

The proposals made by the Pinchot Institute for Conservation in 2006 details actions plans for various programs and policies. The recommendations are as follows: The development and “implementation of a holistic national forest program that integrates the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources and values in a way that is consistent with national, sub-national and local policies and strategies” (Pinchot Institute for Conservation p. 1, 2006). The “development and implementation of appropriate planning and management strategies for the representative protection, and conservation of the full range of forest values on an ecosystem basis within and outside protected areas” (Pinchot Institute for Conservation p. 1, 2006). Countries should also recognize and support the role of the private sector through improved market transparency, promotion of responsible consumer and producer choices, creation of a framework of policies, incentives and regulations, and secure land tenure to help ensure sustained production of a wide range of goods and services (Pinchot Institute for Conservation, 2006).

Risks and benefits of extracting nonrenewable and renewable energy resource

Renewable and non-renewable energy sources can be obtained from forests and their surrounding areas. According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (2009) biomass from forests is a low-carbon feedstock that can be uses as a substitute for fossil fuels in the production of energy. By targeting small diameter trees and other low-value forest products can add value to working forests, help provide financial alternatives to land clearing and development, and create incentives for investing in sustainable forest management. Forest thinning serves several purposes such as the promotion of biodiversity, ecological restoration and wild fire prevention (Environmental and Energy Study Institute, 2009).

Although woody biomass can be beneficial, there are some there are some negative impacts that also must be considered. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (2013) biomass power facilities use approximately the same amount of water for cooling as traditional coal power plants however, the amount of water consumption can vary depending on the technologies being used. When withdrawn cooling water is returned to its source, it is warmer and has a negative impact on plant and wildlife. At the same time water is also needed to produce more biomass. The emissions released from biomass fuels can also have a negative impact on air quality. According to Union of Concerned Scientists (2013) emissions associated with biomass power plants varies depending on the feedstock, combustion technology, and types of installed pollution controls, but the most common pollutants include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. These emissions can create smog, this air pollution can make people more vulnerable to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory issues. Also, the nitrogen oxides that are released contribute to increased levels of acid rain.

According to Earth Justice (2013), in August of 2012 the Federal Bureau of Land Management approved a coal lease expansion within the Gunnison National Forest near the Colorado town of Paonia. The area is wild and there are no roads. The roadless area at stake includes forest of aspen and giant spruce, beaver lodges and meadows in an area used by hikers and hunters. The area provides habitat for lynx, as well as elk, black bear, and hawks. Ted Zukoski, an attorney for conservation groups contesting the proposed plan stated, “The beautiful forests, ponds, and meadows of the Sunset Roadless Area are a natural wonderland that deserves protection, not destruction at the hands of one of the nation’s dirtiest industries” (Earth Justice p. 1, 2013).

The expansion project would allow Arch Coal to bulldoze “6.5 miles of road and 48 natural gas drilling pads through 1,700 acres of wild, roadless forest for the company’s West Elk mine” (Earth Justice p. 1, 2013). Another concern is that the expansion decision allows for uncontrolled methane pollution from the West Elk coal mine, Colorado’s single largest carbon polluters. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times more heat trapping ability than carbon dioxide, is released from the West Elk coal mine every day. The amount of methane vented could heat a city about the size of Grand Junction, unfortunately the Forest Service has refused to require the mine to capture, burn, or reduce any of the mine’s methane pollution (Earth Justice, 2013).

Management practices for sustainability and conservation of natural resources and energy

The preservation of natural resources and energy is essential and to accomplish this practices that promote sustainability and conservation must be adopted. Various approaches focusing on water, energy, air and climate, biodiversity, and land, forests and ecosystems can be utilized. According to Sustainable Communities (2013), high quality water supplies are needed both for community use and local ecosystems. Local, state and federal governments must work together to assure an adequate water supply to meet future needs. Demand for energy is at an all- time high, hard energy sources cause pollution and are harmful to the environment. Energy conservation and the use of renewable fuels provide cost-effective and more sustainable alternatives. The environment and human health can be negatively impacted by poor air quality and climatic change, communities can preserve air quality by limiting or eliminating the discharge of harmful chemicals into the atmosphere and by reducing the sources of air pollution. Biodiversity is essential for sustainability because of the specialized roles each species plays in maintaining ecological balance, by supporting integrative approaches for managing, protecting, and enhancing wildlife populations and habitats healthy ecosystems can be maintained.

In “2003 the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in California was nearly destroyed by the Cedar Fire, this fire consumed 95% of the park” (American Forests p. 1, 2013). Trees, wildlife, habitat, watershed stability and recreational areas were simply wiped out. The flames were so intense, not even the pine and cedar cones survived. This meant that the forest would not regenerate. In an effort to restore the park to its natural state, Cal Fire, California State Parks, and American Forests began replanting 2,500 acres of mixed conifer forest. The time and effort put into the project have shortened the recovery time of the ecosystem, wildlife has returned and the park is once again open to campers and visitors (American Forests, 2013). This a great example of how an ecosystem can be restored to its original state after suffering an ecological disaster.

Conclusion

Forests cover 31% of the land area on our planet. They produce vital oxygen and provide homes for people and wildlife. Many of the world’s most threatened and endangered animals live in forests. Agricultural products, such as soy and palm oil, are used in an ever-increasing list of products, from animal feed to lipstick and biofuels. As the human population continue to grow the need for food increases. The rising demand for food has created incentives to convert forests to farmland and pasture land. Securing forest ecosystems as parks and other protected areas can help to preserve their valuable plants and animals for future generations. Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to rising temperatures, changes in patterns of weather and water, and an increased frequency of extreme weather events. Local, state and federal governments must work together to make sure that the Wilderness Act is implemented. Also preserve forests wildlife, respect and empower local communities, maintain critical ecosystem services, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

References

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Botkin, Keller, Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet, 8th Edition

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http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/local/agricultural-runoff-has-harsh-impact-on-environmen/nNB76/

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http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/40893/icode/

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