Deforestation

Definition of deforestation

According to the widely accepted forestry definition, a forest is an area where trees reach a minimum height of 5 metres and canopy cover is at least 25%. Deforestation is the process by which forests are cleared without subsequent regeneration.

Causes of deforestation

The causes vary depending on the specific forest being cleared. Many people assume that deforestation happens only for timber and wood products, but the reality is far more complex.

Natural causes – wildfires, volcanic eruptions, extreme weather, bark beetles and other natural disasters (especially strong winds and droughts).

Human causes – furniture production, construction, paper manufacturing, and the spread of bark beetles driven by climate change and insufficient control measures.

Human causes of deforestation in tropical rainforests
(ranked by impact)

South and Central America

• Soybean cultivation (31% of global production and 18% of agricultural land in Brazil).
• Cattle and pig farming, pasture expansion.
• Small-scale farmers (responsible for around 14% of deforestation in Brazil).
• Mining, particularly iron ore and bauxite (responsible for 10% of Amazon deforestation in 2017).
• Trade in tropical timber.

Africa

• Export of tropical timber to global markets (especially from Madagascar).
• Charcoal production and fuelwood harvesting.
• Land clearing for agriculture, mainly cassava and oil palm.
• Expansion of cocoa production, expected to cause the loss of 176–395 km² of rainforest in the coming decade.

Asia

• Palm oil production (see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=god62gLOx_4).
• Crop cultivation, particularly for animal feed.
• Trade in tropical timber.
• Paper production and manufacturing.

Human causes of deforestation in temperate forests

• Logging for profit in furniture production and the paper industry
• Storm damage caused by extreme weather
• Wildfires
• Wood-destroying insects

Effects of deforestation

Global warming

Forests absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, helping to offset greenhouse gases. Deforestation is responsible for approximately 12–20% of global CO₂ emissions, making it the second largest source after fossil fuel combustion. Livestock raised on deforested land, particularly in the Amazon, also contributes through methane emissions.

Loss of biodiversity

This issue mainly affects rainforests, but also impacts other forest types. Around 50–80% of all plant and animal species live in tropical rainforests, many of them endemic. Deforestation not only destroys habitats but also eliminates potential sources of future medicines, as around a quarter of modern drugs originate from rainforest compounds.

Local impacts of deforestation

Deforested land is highly prone to soil erosion, often leading to flooding. In rainforests, heavy rainfall accelerates this process, washing soil into the sea, damaging coral reefs and affecting hydroelectric systems. Tropical soils are thin and fragile, increasing the risk of desertification.

Deforestation rate

You can explore global deforestation trends through satellite imagery on Global Forest Watch, which tracks changes in tree cover over time.

Deforestation – solutions (ranked by impact)

Individuals and households

• Reduce meat consumption, especially beef, or switch to lower-impact options like chicken. If consuming beef, choose locally sourced products.
• Avoid or limit foods containing palm oil.
• Do not buy chocolate or cocoa products linked to deforested land.
• Avoid purchasing exotic wood and related products.
• Minimise the use of wood and paper, and prioritise recycled alternatives.
• Avoid animal feed made from soy grown in rainforest regions.
• Reduce activities that contribute to climate change and forest fires.
• Do not rely on wood or charcoal for heating.
• Vote for leaders committed to forest protection.
• Plant trees where possible.
• Support organisations working to protect forests.
• More tips: 7 tips to fight deforestation

Businesses and corporations

• Reduce or remove meat from menus or source it locally.
• Avoid using palm oil.
• Do not use soy-based feed.
• Avoid cocoa sourced from deforested land.
• Use recycled materials wherever possible.
• Avoid exotic wood.
• Reduce activities contributing to climate change.
• Support forest protection initiatives.

Government

• Enforce strong forest protection laws.
• Restrict imports linked to deforestation (e.g. palm oil, soy, beef).
• Promote mandatory use of recycled paper in public administration.
• Use sustainable or recycled furniture in public institutions.
• Adopt policies aimed at stopping deforestation.

Sources: worldrainforest, globalforestwatch, wri, WWF