Desforestació

Desforestació refers to the clearing or removal of forests or stands of trees from land that is then converted to a non-forest use. This process can occur through logging, burning, or conversion to agriculture, urban development, or other human activities. Deforestation is a significant global environmental issue with far-reaching consequences.

One of the primary drivers of deforestation is the expansion of agricultural land. Forests are cleared to make way for crops, livestock grazing, and plantations of commodities like palm oil, soy, and cattle. Logging, both legal and illegal, also contributes to forest loss, often for timber and paper products. Urbanization and infrastructure development, such as roads and dams, also encroach upon forest areas.

The impacts of deforestation are substantial. It leads to a significant loss of biodiversity, as forests are home to a vast array of plant and animal species. Deforestation also exacerbates climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reducing the planet's capacity to absorb greenhouse gases. Soil erosion, desertification, and disruption of water cycles are other environmental consequences. Furthermore, deforestation can displace indigenous communities and impact local economies that depend on forest resources. Efforts to combat deforestation include sustainable forest management, reforestation initiatives, and policies aimed at reducing demand for forest-dependent products.