Health Risks to Deciduous Forests: Deforestation and Ecosystem Impacts

1. Deforestation

• Habitat loss → ecosystem disruption.
• Biodiversity loss → species extinction.
• Climate impact – reduced CO₂ sequestration, O₂ production.
• Soil erosion – wind/rain remove topsoil.
• Water pollution – loss of natural filtration.

2. Invasive Species

• Outcompete natives for resources.
• Introduce novel diseases.
• Alter ecosystem dynamics (plant composition, water, fire regimes).

3. Climate Change

• Temperature shifts stress/kill trees.
• Precipitation changes → drought/flood.
• Seasonal mismatch disrupts phenology.

4. Pollution

• Air: damages leaves, reduces photosynthesis.
• Water: contaminates uptake.
• Soil: harms roots, impairs nutrient absorption.

5. Overuse

• Logging – removes too many trees.
• Development – fragments habitat.
• Recreation – off-trail use, litter, wildlife disturbance.

Protecting deciduous forests requires addressing all these threats.