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What are 3 reasons the forests have been chopped down?
Deforestation causes can either be direct or indirect. Among direct causes are: Natural causes as hurricanes, fires, parasites and floods. Human activities as agricultural expansion, cattle breeding, timber extraction, mining, oil extraction, dam construction and infrastructure development.
Why are there no trees in Europe?
Historically it was assumed that Europe lost many of its temperate tree species thanks to the east-west orientation of its mountain ranges. As glaciers advanced from the north, species were pushed farther and farther south until they hit physical barriers in the terrain like the Alps.
What is causing fires in Europe?
Human actions are also behind the vast majority of Europe’s blazes. Much of Europe is fertile ground for fires, with about 40 percent of its landmass covered by trees. As rural populations have moved to cities and towns in search of employment, some farmed land has been turned over to flammable vegetation and forest.
Why is Europe on fire?
Fires rage across Greece, Italy and Turkey. The deadly combination of extreme heat and drought has resulted in wildfires across Southern Europe, leaving thousands without homes. Temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius turned bone-dry forests into tinderboxes.
Is deforestation happening in Europe?
Forests cover roughly a third of our planet´s land and provide countless services to humanity. A study found that the area of deforestation has risen dramatically across Europe within the last two decades. The area was 49% higher from 2015 to 2018 compared to 2011 – 2015.
Was Europe once covered in forest?
European Forests. Europe was once covered by forest, from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The original forest covered probably 80-90% of the continent. On average, the forest cover is 1/3 of the total land area.” Ireland has the smallest forest area (8%), Finland the largest (72%).
Why is the Mediterranean burning?
While rising temperatures will be coupled with increased rainfall throughout much of the world, the Mediterranean is being saddled with both hotter and drier weather. Wind patterns create a natural high-pressure system associated with hot dry weather over the Mediterranean.
Which country is known as most forest fire prone country in the world?
Sweden experienced the worst fire season in reporting history. The total burnt area of over 21 605 ha mapped in Sweden was registered as the second highest in the EU, an unusual position in the ranking for a northern country.
Do forest fires happen in Europe?
Summer wildfires are a natural and often necessary part of the life of Mediterranean forests. In the decade before 2016, around 48,000 forest fires burned 457,000 hectares annually across the five southern European nations where wildfires are most prevalent: Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Greece.