Deforestation is the clearance of forests and is one of the primary drivers of global warming. Trees capture carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis and lock it chemically in their wood. When trees are cut down and burned, carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. Deforestation also destroys habitats for countless animal and plant species, driving many of them into extinction.
The largest causes of deforestation are agriculture and logging. Trees are cleared to make room for crops like corn and soybeans, as well as for livestock grazing and housing developments. Logging destroys forest land, allowing sunlight to reach the ground and encouraging the growth of invasive plants that choke out native vegetation. Logging also leads to roads and settlements that attract people, creating a vicious cycle in which cities and resource demands drive further clearing of forest land.
Agricultural and forestry production are often unsustainable, especially in countries with abundant natural resources. Cheap land and low-cost local labor incentivize the creation of unsustainable plantations that lead to deforestation. For example, countries with large areas of rainforest have seen significant growth in the demand for palm oil and soybeans. These products have led to deforestation in these countries, as well as the displacement of Indigenous peoples and destruction of traditional farming practices.
Other environmental impacts of deforestation include changes in weather patterns. When trees are removed, the soil loses its ability to hold water and can dry out during droughts or flood during rainy seasons. This can damage agricultural crops and create erratic weather conditions.
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