Introduction to

Deforestation
Deforestation is the permanent removal of forests and woodlands for agricultural,
residential or commercial use. It's a pressing global issue with severe
consequences for the environment and climate.

By: max lorduy, Karol Ochoa, Nicolas Alvarado

What is Deforestation?
Deforestation refers to the permanent removal of forests and trees to make the
land available for other uses, such as agriculture, urbanization, or resource
extraction. It is a significant global issue that has far-reaching environmental,
social, and economic consequences.

Forests are crucial ecosystems that provide invaluable services, including carbon
sequestration, habitat for wildlife, and regulation of water cycles. Deforestation
disrupts these natural processes, leading to climate change, biodiversity loss, and
soil degradation.
Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss
Deforestation poses a grave threat to global
biodiversity. As forests are cleared, countless species
of plants and animals lose their natural habitats,
leading to declining populations and even extinction.

The destruction of complex forest ecosystems

disrupts the delicate balance of nature, depriving
countless species of the resources and conditions they
rely on to survive and thrive.
Causes of Deforestation
1. Expanding agriculture and livestock production: Clearing forests to grow crops or raise livestock is a major
driver of deforestation worldwide.

2. Logging and timber harvesting: Unsustainable logging practices, both legal and illegal, lead to the
destruction of forest habitats.

3. Urban expansion and infrastructure development: The construction of roads, cities, and other infrastructure
often requires the clearing of forest land.
Global Efforts to Combat Deforestation

International Reforestation Sustainable Indigenous

Agreements Programs Agriculture Protections
Major global initiatives Ambitious tree planting Initiatives promoting Protecting the land
like the Paris Agreement campaigns, such as the sustainable farming rights of indigenous
and the UN Reducing Trillion Trees initiative, practices, like communities, who are
Emissions from aim to restore millions agroforestry and the traditional stewards
Deforestation and Forest of hectares of forest precision agriculture, of many of the world's
Degradation (REDD+) cover to mitigate help reduce forests, is crucial for
program promote climate change and deforestation caused by preventing
international ecosystem loss. agricultural expansion. deforestation.
cooperation to protect
forests worldwide.
The Impact of Deforestation

Deforestation has far-reaching consequences, from habitat loss and species

extinction to soil degradation and increased carbon emissions. The clearing of
forests disrupts delicate ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods
of indigenous communities who rely on these resources.
Deforestation and Climate Change
Rising Temperatures 1
Deforestation contributes to global
warming by reducing the number of trees
that absorb and store atmospheric carbon 2 Disrupted Weather Patterns
dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. The loss of forests can alter local and
regional climate patterns, leading to more
extreme weather events like droughts,
floods, and heatwaves.
Increased Emissions 3
When forests are cleared or burned, the
stored carbon is released into the
atmosphere, further exacerbating climate
change and its devastating effects.
Sustainable Forestry Practices
Selective Logging Reforestation Agroforestry Certification

Planting new trees to Integrating trees and Third-party

Carefully selecting replace those that have crops on the same land certification programs,
only mature trees to been harvested is can provide a such as the Forest
harvest, while leaving crucial for sustainable balance Stewardship Council
younger trees to replenishing forest between agricultural (FSC), ensure forests
regrow, helps maintain resources and production and forest are managed
forest health and capturing carbon conservation. responsibly and
biodiversity. dioxide. according to
environmental
standards.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Protect Our Forests
Deforestation is a global crisis that requires
urgent action. We must protect our remaining
forests and work to restore those that have been
lost.
Educate and Inspire
Spread awareness about the importance of
forests and encourage individuals, communities,
and governments to take concrete steps to
combat deforestation.
Support Sustainable Solutions
Advocate for sustainable forestry practices, eco-
friendly agriculture, and policies that incentivize
preserving and replanting forests.
Join the Movement
Get involved with organizations working to
protect forests, volunteer your time, and make
sustainable choices in your daily life to be part
of the solution.