This is a worldwide emergency because deforestation causes 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Of these, carbon dioxide emissions represent up to one-third of total carbon dioxide emissions released because of human causes, contributing to the climate change crisis. The trees are needed to be kept growing for absorbing the exess carbon dioxide that is being added to the air worldwide. Also clearcutting practices, and the chemical herbicides that are used by the logging companies to kill hardwoods, cause immediate and longterm serious damage to local ecosystems wherever these practices are used. Clearcutting causes temperature changes in the soil and water which effects wildlife, thus effecting our own lives as well. Clearcutting causes huge increases in rainwater runoff, preventing natural soil structure from developing and filling streams with sediment where the fish would spawn. Clearcutting severely impairs the wide variety of living animals and plants that are vital to our ecosystems from living reproducing and thriving. Their habitats are being destroyed and this directly effects the future of human life. We are taking a huge gamble by allowing these practices to continue. All of the evidence continues to show that pollution and degredation is increasing while our ability to effectively adapt and restore a healthy environment for our future generations is not even slightly keeping up with the urgent need. Please look at the reality of the situation thoroughly with a real consideration of how human life is dependant on consciously caring for the earth.