Allison Burbach- Tricky Deforestation Solutions (2/16)

 For my research on deforestation in Haiti, I learned that this problem is systemic and not easily solved. Because the trees are cut down for charcoal which is the main source of domestic energy and provides jobs, the solution to the deforestation cannot be to just stop cutting down trees. Even though I know that deforestation leads to erosion, flooding, no storm protection, compromises agricultural productivity and food security, and threatens biodiversity, we have to look at the history and major players. Haiti’s history is rooted in colonialism in which the French clear-cut the island to make space for plantations. The indigenous peoples knew how important the trees are to their island, so they would not have done this action on their own. Now, however, these communities are economically reliant on charcoal production, so this must be taken into consideration when thinking about solutions.