As the human race multiplies in numbers, Man’s need for more living space, wood, fuel, and other resources remains unsatisfied. Rainforests are treasure houses of varied resources. These resources are made available for human use by mining, oil extraction, and construction of dams for power.
Mining is done in places that have rich deposits of valuable minerals. The dense structure of rainforests makes it difficult to access such mineral hotspots. Trees and other natural resources which obstruct accessibility are then wiped out to construct roads. Trees also provide charcoal, a much-needed raw material in the iron ore minefields. Gold mining is the deadliest of all. Harmful mercury needed for gold extraction enters uncontrollably into the soil and water bodies, destroying the plant and aquatic world in and around.
Oil extraction comes along with many similar threats. Along with forest destruction, it also causes oil spillage and release of harmful by-products into the air and water channels, causing severe harm to the organic world.
Hydroelectric power is affordable, clean, and an excellent form of renewable energy. However, the harnessing of this energy form comes along with its demerits too. The construction of large hydroelectric dams results in flooding. Large acres of rainforest land get submerged or washed away. Trees clog and decay in these waters and results in the perishing of thousands of plant and animal life.
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