Thomas Malthus discussed population growth, stating that while the earth's population grows geometrically, the food supply grows arithmetically. The end result of this is a shortage of food (currently seen and magnified by huge inequalities in worldwide food availability, i.e. McDonald's around noon vs. Sub-Saharan Africa). The food shortage mentioned by Malthus has been delayed by the green revolution of the 1940s through 1960s and the utilization of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels have allowed farmers to become more productive, using machines instead of manual labor to accomplish the majority of the work. This nonrenewable resources is beginning to dwindle and it's effect on food availability can currently be seen through the production of corn-based ethanol. As corn is used for fuel production, individuals in the poorest of countries are unable to buy enough food and eventually die. The earth can only sustain a certain number of people. While this fact has remained hidden by the discovery and use of various resources, the effects of excess in living standards (more important) and overpopulation (less important) are becoming more apparent. Deforestation is a force that can cause once fertile areas to become unsuitable for agriculture (Swidden agriculture in Southern America) and human existence. Sustainable living and the preservation of our ecosystems are necessary for the enjoyment of life and for life itself.

Matt Nelson: agree timber harvesting can be good and is certainly necessary for our way of live. To advocate a natural recovery of an area that has been stripped of it's natural resources doesn't make much sense to me. When a tree dies, falls and decomposes it provides habitat and nutrients for the next generation of trees. When the tree is simply removed from the equation, there will be a net loss in the area, same as conventional agriculture, hence the need for more and more fertilizers. I think conservation is indeed using what we have available while we can but I think aiding in the natural recovery is also part of our responsibillity.

I cannot believe some of these posts are advocating FORCED birth control. Do we really want to live in a world where complete strangers have such drastic control of your life? And if we do force birth control, would it stop there? Why don't we just bring on the "thought police" and "Big Brother" while we're at it?

Our earth is not overpopulated?
where do you propose people live? shall we cut all the trees and melt the permafrost in siberia? shall we pave over the deserts of northern africa? or rather should we just specify that there IS "room" for additional persons on the planet earth without actually judging the quality of life achievable, and the environmental impact that development has? Our responsibility to care about planet earth does not come from God, if God does exist. Our responsibility comes from the fact that we are living creatures on this planet. Just like every living being, we need this planet to survive. It is our birthplace, home, breadbasket, and bed. We are obligated not to farm every fertile inch of soil on the face of the planet not because God tells us not to, but because we cannot survive as a species if we do. Perhaps those of you who claim to be conservationists should read philosophical conservationist literature. For instance Ishmael by Daniel Quinn discusses the problems of overpopulation and our, as he calls it "taker" way of life. Perhaps you should investigate the truth of progress. Overpopulation IS DIRECTLY linked to deforestation. Logging is one of the largest industries in developing and third world countries precisely because there is cheap labor for this dangerous job and there are rainforests to cut. In brazil and equatorial africa the most common "profession" other than subsistence farmer is lumberjack. So yes, deforestation and overpopulation are linked. Additionally, to Mr. Matt Nelson,it IS our responsibility to use our resources wisely. Tree farms are likely a necessary part of our existence. But to claim that cutting a tree at any stage is natural is quite false. The "natural cycle" of which you speak includes those insects which other animals eat. includes fallen trees that provide homes for animals. includes decomposition of fallen trees to fertilize the next generation.
please, fertilize your minds not egos

People... our earth is not over populated. Certain areas, yes. Are we abusing different parts of the earth? yes. Do we, as humans, have a responsibility from God to care for the planet we live on? Resounding yes. But go to the desert, the wilderness, alaska, northern siberia, northern canada, or other places similar, and stand where there isn't a single human being for hundreds and hundreds of miles, and tell me again about how overpopulated the earth is.

Timber harvesting can be good...if proper mitigation measures are in place. Replant after the cut, or better yet natural regeneration. “The cycle of the woods.” It’s a natural occurrence, but nature takes care of this process. Using these valuable resources before insects, disease, and fire set in is essential for us as conservationists. Use the resources before it becomes unused due to these natural occurrences. Worried about wildlife? Wildlife will adapt as it has for many centuries. Everything we use is made from a natural resource, we just need to learn how to use them and conserve wisely.

I think everyone needs to back off because while this app does not address the main problem of deforestation the purpose and intention is good. The point is that it is still trying to accomplish something that will benefit the environment. I do agree that the human population is growing out of control, but the major contributor in this case is the lack of information and understanding among people in third world countries who still believe in having 8-10 children despite their and their country's inability to care for them all. Of course the lack of education about responsible sex and birth control are also prevalent in the US and other developed countries as well. Still, what is most important is that, despite the fact that it does not mention deforestation and over population, this app is attempting to replant trees and benefit the environment. That, in-and-of-itself, is a good thing, a great thing even.

The problem does not lie behind, disease, insects or fire, which are all natural occurances but deforstation, which is destroying the forest more so then anything else, help plant the tree where all the trees have already been cut down.