Deforestation is the clearing of trees and other vegetation to make way for human settlements or agricultural production. It is an ongoing problem throughout the world and a leading cause of biodiversity loss (see Biodiversity). It affects animals, plants, microbes, humans and other life on Earth, and it causes many problems including habitat destruction, species extermination and displacement, soil erosion, changes in water quality and temperature, disruptions to animal migration patterns and alterations to local and regional weather systems.
The main driver of deforestation is the growing demand for commodities such as timber, meat, oil and palm oil, and food. Many of the world’s forests are being cleared to produce these products and more as population grows and economic opportunities arise in developing countries. The need for infrastructure such as roads also leads to deforestation. These projects often ignore or fail to consider the impacts of their actions.
Climate change is also a factor driving deforestation. When forests are removed, carbon that was absorbed through photosynthesis by the trees is released into the atmosphere. This carbon emissions contributes to global warming as it traps heat in the atmosphere.
Deforestation is most severe in the tropics. These regions are home to the greatest diversity of living species, and many of these species are at risk of extinction. These tropical forests are essential to the planet for the provision of oxygen, clean water, and many natural resources. The destruction of these ecosystems is occurring at an unsustainable rate, and the effects of this deforestation are felt all over the world.