Our toxic habit of overharvesting what nature has provided has both environmental and personal implications if resources fail to be proportionally replenished.
The most commonly examined effects of deforestation are loss of habitat, climate change and global warming. However, the presence (or absence) vegetation can also have an impact on the mental health of society.
West Australian Senator and co-deputy leader of the Greens Scott Ludlam announced on November 4 he will be taking leave from his parliamentary duties to deal with long-term depression and anxiety.
In a statement on Facebook, Ludlam said he had been dealing with mental health issues for some time.
"I will return to work as soon as I'm able to give the commitment the work demands,” he wrote.
"I am fortunate to be getting the very best of care from my friends and family and my health professionals.”
Ludlam has been granted a pair until the end of the year.