Deforestation is the destruction of forests to make way for other uses, such as agriculture, mining, or urbanization. It's a human-caused activity that has accelerated since 1960. Deforestation's consequences:
- Loss of biodiversity: Deforestation harms ecosystems and the habitats of native species.
- Climate change: Deforested areas release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Soil erosion and flooding: Without trees to retain water and topsoil, the soil erodes and washes away.
- Loss of clean water: Deforestation can impact water cycles and water supplies.
Causes of deforestation:
- Agriculture: Deforestation to clear land for farming, ranching, and feed crops like soy
- Urbanization: Deforestation to make way for cities
- Mining: Deforestation to make way for mining activities
- Logging: Deforestation to harvest timber and other forestry products
How you can help:
- Choose recycled paper products
- Look for the FSC "tick-tree" logo when shopping
- Eat less meat and more plant-based foods
- Buy sustainably sourced palm oil