Earth Equity News

Haiti Earthquake, Deforestation Heighten Landslide Risk. By Ker Than, NatGeographic, January 12, 2010. "The combination of widespread deforestation and the recent earthquake in Haiti could lead to more landslides in the already hard-hit country, scientists say (Haiti map). Many of Haiti's people, the poorest in the Americas, routinely cut down trees for fuel -- either to burn 'raw' or turn into charcoal. As a result, the destruction of Haiti's natural forests is almost total, making the Caribbean country one of the most deforested in the world. As Haiti's trees have disappeared, landslides have become a major concern, especially during the rainy season, and the destabilizing effects of an earthquake on soil only worsen the problem. Forest canopies serve as natural buffers against wind and rain, and the deep roots of trees help keep the granular soil from shifting. Among the rare bright spots for Haiti this week are that its capital, Port-au-Prince, is on relatively flat land -- making the landslide threat one less thing to worry about -- and that the earthquake struck during the dry season."