World Geography

Deforestation occurs when forests are converted to non-forest uses, such as agriculture and road construction. It leads to the long-term loss of forest area. In contrast, forest degradation doesn’t reduce the forest area but rather results in a qualitative decline in forest condition. Forest ecosystems lose their capacity to provide essential goods and services to people and nature during degradation. These threats jeopardize the critical role forests play in purifying water, mitigating climate change, and supporting biodiversity.

Local Impacts:

• Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation disrupts habitats, leading to the loss of plant and animal species. Many species rely on specific forest ecosystems for survival.
• Changes in Water Cycle: Healthy forests play a vital role in the local water cycle by creating rainfall. When deforestation occurs, forests are less capable of fulfilling this role, resulting in changes in precipitation and river flow¹.
• Soil Erosion: Tree roots stabilize soil, preventing erosion. Without trees, soil becomes vulnerable to erosion, affecting local agriculture and water quality.
• Temperature and Rainfall Changes: Deforestation, especially in tropical regions, impacts local temperatures and rainfall. These changes can compound the effects of global climate change, affecting human health and agricultural productivity.

Global Impacts

• Climate Change: Almost 17.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions result from deforestation and forest degradation. Trees store carbon, and excessive deforestation releases this carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
• Carbon Sink Loss: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide. Deforestation reduces this capacity, exacerbating climate change.
• Altered Weather Patterns: Deforestation affects weather patterns globally, impacting rainfall distribution and temperature regulation.
• Loss of Ecosystem Services: Forests provide essential services like air and water purification, nutrient cycling, and pollination. Their loss affects global ecosystems and human well-being.

Governments can provide policies and regulations that promote sustainable forestry practices and penalize companies that engage in deforestation.Efforts to combat deforestation include responsible forest management, reforestation, and sustainable land use practices. Protecting forests is crucial for a healthy planet and the well-being of all living beings.