Deforestation and The Ways Designers Can Prevent Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Deforestation is causing the extinction of many species across the world and destroying their natural habitats. (Such as the Sumatran tigers in Malaysia one of the highest rates of deforestation between 2000–2012).
Not only are the trees cut down releasing Carbon Dioxide but the lack of trees afterwards diminishes our natural way of absorbing and reducing CO2! If Global warming continues at the rate it is at now by 2050 it is predicted that the world will become two degrees hotter and by the end of the century, the world will be between three and six degrees hotter and if we do nothing there could be an eighty centimetre rise in sea level. This is way beyond the tipping point, where changes become irreversible. A huge factor in climate change is a result of our ever-growing CO2 emissions with a third of carbon dioxide being produced by Deforestation. We need to change the way we design things and push for a sustainable future otherwise the consequences will be detrimental. If we could better understand the relationship design has with deforestation and find greater alternatives that would be a start to bettering our future.
Firstly, to understand designs involvement with deforestation we must evaluate the reasons for deforestation in the first place. Deforestation is when forests are destroyed to accommodate for new urban developments. The root of the problem originates from housing, agriculture and furniture/materials. You could most definitely argue here that design is involved with each of these factors.
From architects and residential layout designers who plan housing to Industrialised agriculture. These designers are involved in the need for the land. It is not necessarily the fault of these specific designers that cause deforestation, however. The need for expansion is caused by our increasing population. There is no way that designers can ethically control population. As we grow in numbers, we need dwelling space and more food therefore, more farms and land are required to cater for our demands. Our increasing consumption rates of meats for example means that there is a demand for more cattle farms which is another large component that aids in the justification of deforestation. (On top of this, cattle farms produce tonnes of Methane gas).
However, if we look at the world’s population chart, we can see there is a colossal upsurge after the industrial revolution. Accordingly, you could then argue that technology and design is in fact the underlying reason for population growth therefore, deforestation. Since we have experienced multiple technological revolutions since the Industrial revolution at such an overwhelming pace it has left us with very little time to grasp all of the dangers these have brought with them (take plastic for example) resulting in us carelessly using them in a wasteful unsustainable way.
Take the systems used in deforestation for example. The regular practices used in deforestation are “Clear cutting” and “Burning”. Clear cutting is when vast areas of land inhibited by trees are chopped down which leaves behind only the stumps of trees. Burning also known as “Slash and Burn Agriculture” involves burning down the stumps of trees, leaving behind a layer of ash creating nutrient dense land for temporary farming. This process is a huge advocate for carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution caused by the smoke and when performed incorrectly can easily lead to the wildfires spreading out of control. Soil loses its potency and causes farmers to search for new land each time. The outcome is completely unsustainable and wasteful.
Design is relevant to these processes in many ways as without design, the systems created for farming and logging would not exist. Also, the tools and machinery used to perform these acts all have a designer, engineer, technician (etc). However, the designs are not the issue when it comes to available tools and technology. Again, it comes down to the beholder, it is an ethical choice based upon how we use these products and our approach towards these kinds of issues. Obviously Slash and Burn Agriculture is not the perfect system but back when it was designed people were not as educated or aware about the affects it has on the environment as we are now. Sustainability in design is far more popular these days.
Designers, farmers and people alike are trying to raise awareness and create a sustainable agricultural system to replace these traditional methods. So, what is being done? One such sustainable method would be “Agroforestry”. Agroforestry is when trees are incorporated into the farming process. Trees are grown close at hand to crops. The aim is to prevent harming the soil keeping it saturated and reducing the chances of deterioration so that farmers do not need to expand for wasteful reasons. Another benefit is “Pruning” (the removal of branches etc.) this creates an added fuel source from wood. Certain trees have specific properties that aid in the process of farming and are used in these methods such as the “Inga Edulis” tree. What is great about this is that different trees are suited towards different terrain and environments which helps in sustaining a diversified ecosystem.
One tree that has caused calamity amongst rainforests is the Palm oil tree (formally known as the “Elaeis Guineensis”). Palm oil is harvested from the fruits found within these trees. There is currently an abundance of Palm oil products out there typically used in food, fuel, cosmetic and hygiene products. (Lipstick, soaps, shampoo, washing up liquid, baking products, crisps, chocolate are just a few of the products out there that contain palm oil). In 2015 Indonesia experienced a catastrophic forest fire caused by deforestation. An article from the guardian by the author “George Monbiot” covers this story. Monbiot states “Indonesia’s forests have been fragmented for decades by timber and farming companies. Canals have been cut through the peat to drain and dry it. Plantation companies move in to destroy what remains of the forest to plant monocultures of pulpwood, timber and palm oil. The easiest way to clear the land is to torch it. Every year, this causes disasters. “
Palm oil is one of the contributors towards the use of Slash and burn agriculture. (Malaysia being one of the areas most affected by this). Unfortunately, the appeal behind all this comes down to economics and efficiency. It is easy to burn down large areas and there is value behind the produce. So, what is being done about palm oil products? In 2014 the EU issued a law that requires companies to clearly label if a product contains palm oil. This is a good step but what can we as consumers and more importantly designers do? As consumers we can choose to boycott these existing products but as designers, we can find alternative resources that simulate the same affects such as Coconut oil to replace them. Claims of sustainable palm oil harvesting have been made but it is still up for debate whether there is a sustainable process. One such article by the Independent further covers this issue.
Collectively, it is evident that design plays a major role in deforestation, from the causes behind it and the systems used to perform it but you could argue that design plays a huge part in the way that we run all our systems. All things considered over the last century our quality of life has been improved by design leading to longevity but in turn, our thriving populations consumerist ways have led to an unsustainable society that continues to grow, creating the need for things such as deforestation in order to meet our demands. There is no humane way that designers can control population, perhaps some may say contraception however, if someone wants a child, they will most likely have one. The best way that we can prevent deforestation and climate change overall is by controlling the systems.
To reduce CO2 emissions as designers we should turn to sustainable systems such as Agroforestry and switch out resources for environmentally friendly alternatives such as Coconut oil, we are going to build a better future for generations to come.
The simple way to absorb Carbon dioxide is by growing more trees however, designers are creating units that directly capture the air, consuming the CO2, which is then injected down to bedrock and turning it into stone. Other means of reducing pollution consist of reducing the number of throwaway products that are designed and bought for the sake of business designers should be designing high quality, affordable products to the masses. Also, instead of creating fuel from palm oil we should continue to further develop renewable energy, solar, wind and hydro power, substituting not only palm oil but fossil fuels completely. The costs for renewable energy have reduced over the years making it a more viable option. Right now, thirty percent of the UK’S energy is renewable. Furthermore, as designers we should be putting our efforts into perfecting electric transportation. Currently, engineers are developing electric powered aviation. The “Airbus E-fan” is a 60KW single passenger jet that travelled across the English Channel back in 2015. As a collective these switches will ensure our future is bright and sustainable for generations to come.
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