Deforestation

Deforestation is the long-term or permanent removal of forest cover, resulting in a net loss of forest land to non-forest uses. It differs from forest degradation, which reduces the quality or ecological function of a forest without necessarily converting land to non-forest use. Deforestation commonly converts forests to agriculture, pasture, urban development, mining, or infrastructure.

Causes and drivers include agricultural expansion—particularly for cattle ranching, soy, and palm oil—logging for timber, and infrastructure development. Economic pressures, weak governance, unclear land tenure, illegal activities, and insufficient enforcement can accelerate loss. Population growth and global demand for forest commodity products also contribute.

Environmental and social impacts are substantial. Deforestation threatens biodiversity and increases species extinction risk, disrupts ecosystem services such as water regulation and soil protection, and enhances climate change through the release of stored carbon. It can alter local and regional rainfall patterns and increase flood and drought vulnerability. Indigenous peoples and local communities often bear the social and cultural costs, as well as changes to livelihoods and traditional practices.

Measurement and geographic patterns rely on remote sensing and national land-use data. Global deforestation has occurred in cycles, with tropical regions showing the most intense loss, notably in the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia, though rates vary over time and by policy context.

Responses include protected areas, sustainable forest management, reforestation and afforestation, natural regeneration, and policy instruments such as REDD+ and payments for ecosystem services. Strengthening governance, securing land rights, and aligning market incentives are central to reducing forest loss while supporting local communities and ecological restoration.