Deforestation

Leaves and branches help protect bare soil. The occurrence of deforestation is of a result of
various human activities.
Farming practices
Tradition was that plots would be give time or in fallow to become more fertile, however in
modern days plots are being overused plot are being less fertile. With the combination of
deforestation and farming practices backed by climate change the effects on the soil is
intensified.
Soil erosion
The displacement of the upper layer of soil, one form of soil degradation.
Soil conservation
A method of preventation and restoration for bare soil or eroded soil.
Afforestation
Deep rooted trees preferably fast growing are planted where there is no vegetation in order to
hold the soil together to and produce a substantial amount of organic material to help in the
production of more soil.
Landscaping
AREA is destroyed and sculpted into an undulating landscape before afforestation done because
of eroded hillsides into ravines and gullies.
Contour ploughing. Tilling land around the hill slopes along the height contours
Planting shelter belts planting lines of trees are planted at intervals along flat expanses of land
where the speed of the wind may impct.
Intercropping/strip cropping. Different crops are cultivated together, at different angles to each
other.

Agroforestry. Certain crops are grown in the forest, coexisting with the trees and other vegetation.

Crop rotation. Different crops are planted in after the other rather than the same crop continuously,
the depleted nutrients will regenerate naturally.

Terraces. Small walls, ridges and channels are built around sloping land helps to prevent
rainfall from running freely downslope and reduces the chances of soil being removed.

Stubble mulching. Leaving stubble or residues after harvesting on the field helps to reduce
evaporation and keeps the soil covered.
Soil erosion and poverty
In countries and areas that are poor their commitment to conservation of the
environment or vegetation is dim due to the pressure of survival.

What are coral reefs?

Coral reefs are living organisms. The reef structure is a complex physical haven where many
kinds of flora and fauna find a refuge. The presence of so many organisms means that it is
rich in food supply for other marine creatures

Destruction of coral reefs

In the past it was natural hazards that posed a threat to coral reefs but in modern
days it is human activities that are destroying them.

Fringing reefs are more common in the Caribbean and occur around or partially around most
of the islands.

Coral atolls are rare in the Caribbean. These are coral islands, oval or almost circular, built
around a central lagoon.

Growth coral
latitudes 30°N and 30°S, conditions are optimum for the growth of coral. Salty and shallow
water around 68°F (20°C), which is clear of sediment, provides the best conditions. Algae
produces food and oxygen for the polyp. Any turbidity in the water reduces the efficiency with
which these processes take place and also reduces the amount of sunlight that can penetrate to
the coral. Thus, corals will not be found where major rivers bringing a large sediment load reach
the sea.
Biodiversity
Coral reefs are therefore ecosystems that support and protect an immense biodiversity, and
also have great potential even for medicines for humankind.

Tourism
The flora and fauna of the Caribbean attract tourist to the Caribbean as well as the leisure
activities and numerous Caribbean countries benefit from tourism.
Fisheries
Fishery practices in the past were less harsh as fishers knew he importance of the coral reefs
and fishes. Modern day fishing is more industrial.
Coastal Protection
The reefs protect the coast from erosion. It also provides recreation for tourists.
Drought and Floods
The Caribbean has definite wet and dry seasons. Some areas can be dryer than normal due to
local conditions of size, relief and location. Some of the rainfall is cyclonic in origin especially in
winter. Coastal areas have a second rainy season from November to January.
Ground Water store
The physical environment conserves and stores water that can be available for use in the dry
season. If done drought is real.
Global changes in weather patterns
Drought in the Caribbean is also linked to global shifts in weather patterns. Increases in surface
temperatures and the fluctuations in atmospheric pressure over the oceans occurs every two-
seven years. This combined air and sea anomaly is called the Southern Oscillation. South+ El
Nino the ENSO are believed to be responsible for the usual active hurricane season.
Drought and Human Activity
It is due to various human activities, drought like conditions arise. They are directly
proportional.
Effects of Drought
It has short-term and long-term effects on agriculture, human beings and the environment.
Caribbean people over the years have adjusted to the wet and dry seasons, but due to the
impact of human activities, the seasons are going to become even more severe.
Floods
The occurrence of a flood comes as an environmental disaster, causing numerous destructions.
It usually comes along with other natural disasters.