• About Project
  • Testimonials

Business Management Ideas

The Wisdom Post

Essay on Deforestation

List of essay on deforestation in english, essay on deforestation – essay 1 (150 words), essay on deforestation – essay 2 (250 words), essay on deforestation – essay 3 (300 words), essay on deforestation: causes and drawbacks – essay 4 (400 words), essay on deforestation: with causes and solution – essay 5 (500 words), essay on deforestation: introduction, impact, control and conclusion – essay 6 (650 words), essay on deforestation: causes and effects – essay 7 (750 words), essay on deforestation: with solution – essay 8 (1000 words).

Introduction:

Deforestation is the process of clearing trees and forest for other uses. Deforestation usually occurs due to city expansion. As habitats increase in cities, there is a need to create more space the for homes, organizations, and factories. This, however, has a damning effect on our environment.

Effect of Deforestation on the Environment:

Deforestation means fewer trees and more land. This has a serious adverse effect on our environment. On one hand, deforestation makes some animals homeless. Animals that survive in the forest might go extinct with less forest. On the other hand, deforestation is also the biggest cause of climate change around the world.

Preventing Deforestation:

Reducing or preventing deforestation is easier said than done. This is because trees are cut down because there is a pressing need to do so. Thus, to prevent deforestation we must try to reduce that need by making smarter choices in paper usage, city planning, migration, etc.

Conclusion:

The essence of plant life in the forest is unquestionable. To ensure a greener environment we must all join the efforts in reducing deforestation.

Deforestation is definitely one of the most troubling of all problems which has plagued our environment. It is important more than ever to take care of the green cover or else it can jeopardize the existence of life on Earth. It is owing to the presence of green trees that we get the oxygen needed to breathe in.

However, because of excessive exploitation by humans, it has been seen that the trees are being cut down mercilessly. This act of cleaning the green cover is known as deforestation.

Educate people:

The best way to handle the problem of deforestation is by making sure that we educate the masses regarding the importance of green cover. When people understand as to how deforestation is leading to grave consequences, they will get the incentive to plant trees rather than uproot them.

Protect the Environment:

As we have continued to exploit the environment in a way that it is hard to get things back to normal, it is now important to immediately start protecting the environment. A lot of natural calamities are occurring these days because the ecosystem balance has been disturbed. Deforestation alone is responsible for a major amount of problems.

So, you need to understand as to how you can come up with ways to excite people about planting more trees and doing their bit for the sake of the environment. Think of your children and grand children. If we continue with our aggressive deforestation campaigns, they are not likely to have a healthy environment for survival. Is that what we really want?

Deforestation can be defined as the removal of trees and clearing of forests for the personal and commercial benefits of human beings. Deforestation has emerged as one of the biggest man-made disasters recently. Every year, more and more trees and vegetation are being erased just to fulfill the various needs of the human race.

Deforestation happens for many reasons. The growing population is one of them. Rising human population needs more area for residential purpose. For this, forests are either burned down or cut to make space for constructing homes and apartments.

Deforestation is also done for commercial purposes. This includes setting up of factories, industries, and towers, etc. The enormous requirements of feeding the human race also create a burden on the land. As a result, clearing land for agricultural purposes leads to deforestation.

Deforestation impacts our earth in several ways. Trees are natural air purifiers. They absorb the carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Deforestation results in uncontrolled air pollution. When there are fewer trees, there is lesser absorption of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Deforestation also disturbs the water cycle. Forests absorb the groundwater and release the water vapors to form clouds, which in turn cause rains. Roots of trees hold the soil intact and prevent floods. But when there are no trees, different kinds of natural calamities are bound to happen.

With deforestation, chances of floods, drought, global warming, and disturbed weather cycle all come into the play. Not only that, the disappearance of forests means the extinction of wild animals and plants, which are highly important parts of our ecosystem.

In order to curb these disasters, we must plant more trees. Restoration of existing vegetation is equally essential. Population control is another indirect method to save trees and forest areas.

Deforestation is the process of cutting down of trees and forests completely or partially for different reasons like manufacturing different products with various parts of the tree as raw material, to build structures and other buildings, etc. Deforestation in recent days has become the curse of our world that resulted in the destruction of nature and the environment.

Cause and Drawbacks:

Deforestation is mainly done for making better living assets for humans and this one side thought is the biggest drawback of this issue. Instead of doing only the cutting part humans should practice forestation along with deforestation. Whenever a tree or a forest is cut, another one should be planted at the same place or on other lands to promote the forestation.

Deforestation is the main cause for many natural deficiencies and the destruction of many animal, plant and bird species. If the practice of cutting down trees continues, then eventually even the world may get destructed along with the extinction of the human race.

It’s not like trees shouldn’t be used for any kind of production and urbanization or industrialization shouldn’t be done for the development, but the main factor is to compensate for every minus done. Through this, there will be a balancing between the reduction and plantation which will help, to an extent, in the rectification of problems faced by the world due to deforestation.

Deforestation has also affected the atmospheric air combination. The carbon content in the atmosphere has considerably increased over years due to many human activities like uncontrolled fuel combustion.

Forest has played a massive function of inhaling the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and exhaling oxygen during the daytime while they prepare food for themselves. This process is the reason for maintaining a balanced oxygen and carbon level in the atmosphere and that makes the life of us humans to breathe free.

Population growth is undeniably the major factor behind the increased deforestation level. The increased demand for more assets for better living has increased the need for deforestation as well. In such cases forestation should also be made as a follow-up process.

Controlling the overuse of assets can also help in reducing the deforestation rate. If humans start to use products that use a tree as raw material reasonably then it will help in avoiding deforestation as well. Deforestation not only is a life-threatening scenario for many animals and birds, but also the whole human species.

Deforestation refers to the elimination of plants and trees from a region. Deforestation also includes the clearing of jungles and plants from the region due to the numerous commercial motives.

Different Causes of Deforestation:

The below are the different causes of deforestation:

1. Overgrazing:

Overgrazing in jungles finishes recently renewed development. It makes the soil additional compact and invulnerable. The fertility of the soil also reduces owing to the devastation of organic substance. Overgrazing also results in the desertification and the soil erosion. Deforestation results in decreasing the overall soil’s productivity.

2. Shifting Cultivation:

Numerous agriculturalists destroy the jungle for farming and commercial motives and once productiveness of soil is shattered owing to recurrent harvesting, a fresh forest region is devastated. Hence, farmers must be recommended to utilize a similar area for agriculture and use some upgraded farming techniques and stop the deforestation.

3. Fuel Wood:

The maximum amount of forest is destroyed for the fuel wood. Around 86% of the fuel wood is utilized in rural regions in comparison to the 14% in urban parts and hence lead to more deforestation.

4. Forest Fires:

Recurrent fires in the forest regions are one of the major reasons of deforestation. Few incidents of fires are minor whereas the maximum of them are huge.

The industries related to the plywood and timber is mostly accountable for the deforestation. In fact, the huge demand for wooden things has resulted in the quick reduction of the forest.

6. Industry Establishment:

At times the industrial unit is constructed after deforestation. It means for a small achievement of few people, all other people have to bear a permanent loss. In this procedure, wild animals, valuable plant, and unusual birds get devastated. In fact, it adversely affects the quality of the environment.

7. Violation of Forest:

One more reason of deforestation is a violation by tribal on the land of forest for cultivation and other motives. Even though such type of land has a virtuous support for agriculture creation but still it creates environmental threats.

8. Forest Diseases:

Numerous diseases are instigated by rusts, parasitic fungi, nematodes and viruses that result in demise and deterioration of jungle. Fresh saplings are devastated owing to the occurrence of nematodes. Numerous diseases like blister rust, heart rot, and phloem necrosis, oak will, and Dutch elm, etc. destroy the jungle in large quantities.

9. Landslide:

The landslide lead to the deforestation in the mountains is a question of worry. It happened largely in the regions where growing actions are proceeding for the previous few years. The building of highways and railways mainly in hilly lands as well as the structure of large irrigation plans have resulted in enough deforestation and speeded the natural procedure of denudation.

Worldwide Solution for the Deforestation:

The jungle is an essential natural reserve for any nation and deforestation slow down a nation’s growth. To encounter the necessities of the growing population, simple resources might be attained only with the help of afforestation. It is actually the arrangement of implanting plants for food and food growth. Moreover, the nurseries have a significant part in increasing the coverage of the forest area.

Deforestation is the cutting down of trees. It is basically changing the use of land to a different purpose other than the planting of trees.

There are many reasons which have led to large levels of deforestation all over the world. One of the major causes is ever growing population of the world. With the growth in population, the need for more land to live has been rising. This has further led to cutting down of trees. Also, with modernisation, there has been a substantial increase in the requirement of land for setting up of industries. This has again contributed to deforestation.

Mining is another activity of humans which has led to large-scale deforestation in many areas. The need to build road and rail network in order to increase connectivity to the mines has led to cutting down of trees. This has altered the climatic conditions in these areas.

Deforestation has had a huge impact on the environment. Lack of trees has led to less release of water vapour in the air. This has, in turn, led to the alteration of rainfall patterns in different regions. India is a country which is dependent on monsoon rains for agriculture. Frequent droughts and floods caused due to deforestation have affected the lives of many in different parts of the country.

Moreover, trees absorb the carbon-dioxide from the air and help to purify it. Without trees around us, the presence of harmful gases in the air has been rising. This has also led to global warming which is again a major environmental concern. Also, the ever-rising pollution level, especially in many cities in India is due to vast deforestation only.

Additionally, trees bind the soil around them and prevent soil erosion. Deforestation has led to the soil being washed away with winds and rain, making the land unfit for agriculture. Also, trees and forests are the homes to different species of wildlife. With shrinking forests, several of the wildlife has become extinct as they were not able to cope with the changing conditions. Also, there have been increased man and wildlife conflicts in recent times as the animals are forced to venture in the cities in search of food. All these are severe effects of deforestation and need urgent attention by all.

The Perfect Example:

New Delhi is the capital of India. There was once a time when Delhi was a beautiful city. But with modernisation, increase in population, deforestation and mining in the nearby Aravalli hills, Delhi has been reduced to a gas chamber. Such is the impact the Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the world. What better example can be there to understand what deforestation has led us to?

There are many ways in which we can reduce deforestation. We must protect our forests. Moreover, we must mark adequate land for our farming needs. There are some laws already in place which prohibit people from unnecessary felling of trees. What needs to be done is the proper execution of the rules so that everyone abides by it. Also, stricter punishments need to be in place for violators so as to deter other people from disobeying the laws. Alternatively, people need to ensure that for every tree felled, equal numbers of trees are planted so that the balance of nature can be maintained. Summarily, it has to be a collective duty of all and just the governments alone, if we really need to reduce deforestation.

It is true that we all need space to live. With the ever-growing population and urbanisation, there has been more than ever need to cut trees and make space. However, we must realise that it is not possible for us to live without having trees around us. Trees bring so many benefits such as giving us oxygen, utilising the harmful carbon dioxide and so many products we need in our daily lives. Without trees around us, there would be no life on the earth. We should all do the needful to protect trees and reduce deforestation.

Deforestation is also known as clearing or clearance of trees. It can be said to mean removal of strands of trees or forests and the conversion of such area of land to a use that is totally non-forest in nature. Some deforestation examples are the converting of areas of forest to urban, ranches or farms use. The area of land that undergoes the most deforestation is the tropical rainforests. It is important to note that forests cover more than 31 percent in total land area of the surface of the earth.

There are a lot of different reasons why deforestation occurs: some tree are being cut down for building or as fuel (timber or coal), while areas of land are to be used as plantation and also as pasture to feed livestock. When trees are removed with properly replacing them, there can as a result be aridity, loss of biodiversity and even habitat damage. We have also had cases of deforestation used in times of war to starve the enemy.

Causes of Deforestation:

It has been discovered that the major and primary deforestation cause is agriculture. Studies have shown that about 48 percent of all deforestation is as a result of subsistence farming and 32 percent of deforestation is as a result of commercial agriculture. Also, it was discovered that logging accounts for about 14% of the total deforestation and 5% is from the removal for fuel wood.

There has been no form of agreement from experts on if industrial form of logging is a very important contributing factor to deforestation globally. Some experts have argued that the clearing of forests is something poor people do more as a result of them not having other alternatives. Other experts are of the belief that the poor seldom clear forests because they do not have the resources needed to do that. A study has also revealed that increase in population as a result of fertility rates that are very high are not a major driver of deforestation and they only influenced less than 8% of the cases of deforestation.

The Environmental Effects of Deforestation:

Deforestation has a lot of negative effects on our planet and environment.

A few of the areas where it negatively affects our environment are discussed below:

i. Atmospheric Effect:

Global warming has deforestation as one of its major contributing factors and deforestation is also a key cause of greenhouse effect. About 20% of all the emission of greenhouse gases is as a result of tropical deforestation. The land in an area that is deforested heats up quicker and it gets to a temperature that is higher than normal, causing a change in solar energy absorption, flow of water vapours and even wind flows and all of these affects the local climate of the area and also the global climate.

Also, the burning of plants in the forest in order to carry out clearing of land, incineration cause a huge amount of carbon dioxide release which is a major and important contributor to the global warming.

ii. Hydrological Effect:

Various researches have shown that deforestation greatly affects water cycle. Groundwater is extracted by trees through the help of their roots; the water extracted is then released into the surrounding atmosphere. If we remove a part of the forest, there will not be transpiration of water like it should be and this result in the climate being a lot drier. The water content of the soil is heavily reduced by deforestation and also atmospheric moisture as well as groundwater. There is a reduced level of water intake that the trees can extract as a result of the dry soil. Soil cohesion is also reduced by deforestation and this can result in landslides, flooding and erosion.

iii. Effect on Soil:

As a direct result of the plant litter on the surface, there is a minimal and reduced erosion rate in forests largely undisturbed. Deforestation increases the erosion rate as a result of the subsequent decrease in the quantity of cover of litter available. The litter cover actually serves as a protection for the soil from all varieties of surface runoff. When mechanized equipments and machineries are used in forestry operations, there can be a resulting erosion increase as a result of the development of roads in the forests.

iv. Effect on Biodiversity:

There is a biodiversity decline due to deforestation. Deforestation can lead to the death and extinction of a lot of species of animals and plants. The habitat of various animals are taken away as a result of deforestation.

The total coverage of forests on the earth’s landmass is 30 percent and the fact the people are destroying them is worrying. Research reveals that majority of the tropical forests on earth are being destroyed. We are almost at half the forest landmass in destruction. How would earth look life without forests? It will be a total disaster if deforestation is encouraged. Deforestation is a human act in which forests are permanently destroyed in order to create settlement area and use the trees for industries like paper manufacture, wood and construction. A lot of forests have been destroyed and the impact has been felt through climate change and extinction of animals due to destruction of the ecosystem. The impacts of deforestation are adverse and there is need to prevent and control it before it can get any worse.

Deforestation is mainly a human activity affected by many factors. Overpopulation contributed to deforestation because there is need to create a settlement area for the increasing number of people on earth and the need for urbanization for economic reasons. Recently, population has greatly risen in the world and people require shelter as a basic need. Forests are destroyed in order for people to find land to build a shelter and then trees are further cut to build those houses. Overpopulation is a major threat to the forest landmass and if not controlled, people will continue to occupy the forests until there is no more forest coverage on earth.

Another factor influencing deforestation is industrialization. Industries that use trees to manufacture their product e.g. paper and wood industries have caused major destruction of forests. The problem with industries is the large-scale need for trees which causes extensive deforestation. The use of timber in industries is a treat to forests all over the world. In as much as we need furniture, paper and homes, it is not worth the massive destruction of our forests.

Fires are also a cause of deforestation. During episodes of drought, fire spreads widely and burns down trees. The fire incidences could result from human activities like smoking or charcoal burning in the forests. Drought due to adverse weather changes in global warming is a natural disaster that claim the lives of people and living things.

Agricultural activities such as farming and livestock keeping also cause deforestation because of the land demand in those activities. Deforestation for farming purpose involves clearing all the vegetation on the required land and using it for and then burring the vegetation hence the name ‘slash and burn agriculture’. The ranches required for cattle keeping among other livestock require a large area that is clear from trees.

Impacts of Deforestation:

Deforestation has a great impact on the ecosystem in different ways. Climate change is influenced by deforestation because trees influence weather directly. Trees usually act to protect against strong winds and erosion but in its absence, natural disasters like floods and storms could be experienced. Also, tree are important in replenishing the air in the atmosphere. Trees have the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. Without trees, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will be increased. Because carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, it causes global warming.

Global warming is a serious environmental issue that causes adverse climatic changes and affects life on earth. Extreme weather conditions like storms, drought and floods. These weather conditions are not conducive for humans and other living things on earth. Natural disasters as a result of global warming are very destructive both to animate and inanimate objects in the environment.

Loss of species due to deforestation has negatively affected biodiversity. Biodiversity is a highly valued aspect of life on earth and its interruption is a loss. There is a loss of habitat for species to exist in as a result of deforestation and therefore species face extinction. Extinction of some rare species is a threat we are currently facing. Animals that live and depend on forest vegetation for food will also suffer and eventually die of hunger. Survival has been forced on animals of the jungle due to deforestation and that is why human wildlife conflict is being experienced.

The water cycle on earth is negatively affected by deforestation. The existence of water vapor in the atmosphere is maintained by trees. Absence of trees cause a reduced vapor retention in the atmosphere which result in adverse climate changes. Trees and other forest vegetation are important in preventing water pollution because they prevent the contaminated runoff into water sources like rivers, lakes and oceans. Without trees, pollution of water is more frequent and therefore the water will be unsafe for consumption by human and animals.

Solutions to Deforestation:

Based on the serious impact of deforestation, it is only safe if solutions are sought to end this problem. The ultimate solution is definitely restoration of the forest landmass on earth. The restoration can be done by encouraging the planting of trees, a process called reforestation. Although reforestation will not completely solve the impacts of deforestation, it will restore a habitat for the wild animals and slowly restore the ecosystem. Major impacts like concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere require another approach. Human activities that contribute to carbon dioxide gas emission to the atmosphere have to be reduced through strict policies for industries and finding alternative energy sources that do not produce greenhouse gases.

Another solution is public awareness. People have to be made aware that deforestation has negative effects so that they can reduce the act. Through awareness, people can also be taught on ways of reducing the population e.g., family planning. On World Environment Day, people are encouraged to participate in activities like tree planting in order to conserve environment and that is how the awareness takes place.

In conclusion, deforestation is a human activity that is destructive and should be discouraged. Environmental conservation is our responsibility because we have only one earth to live in.

Deforestation , Environment , Forests

Get FREE Work-at-Home Job Leads Delivered Weekly!

causes of deforestation essay

Join more than 50,000 subscribers receiving regular updates! Plus, get a FREE copy of How to Make Money Blogging!

Message from Sophia!

causes of deforestation essay

Like this post? Don’t forget to share it!

Here are a few recommended articles for you to read next:

  • Essay on Noise Pollution
  • Essay on Environmental Pollution
  • Essay on Biodiversity
  • Essay on Acid Rain

No comments yet.

Leave a reply click here to cancel reply..

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Billionaires

  • Donald Trump
  • Warren Buffett
  • Email Address
  • Free Stock Photos
  • Keyword Research Tools
  • URL Shortener Tools
  • WordPress Theme

Book Summaries

  • How To Win Friends
  • Rich Dad Poor Dad
  • The Code of the Extraordinary Mind
  • The Luck Factor
  • The Millionaire Fastlane
  • The ONE Thing
  • Think and Grow Rich
  • 100 Million Dollar Business
  • Business Ideas

Digital Marketing

  • Mobile Addiction
  • Social Media Addiction
  • Computer Addiction
  • Drug Addiction
  • Internet Addiction
  • TV Addiction
  • Healthy Habits
  • Morning Rituals
  • Wake up Early
  • Cholesterol
  • Reducing Cholesterol
  • Fat Loss Diet Plan
  • Reducing Hair Fall
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Weight Loss

Internet Marketing

  • Email Marketing

Law of Attraction

  • Subconscious Mind
  • Vision Board
  • Visualization

Law of Vibration

  • Professional Life

Motivational Speakers

  • Bob Proctor
  • Robert Kiyosaki
  • Vivek Bindra
  • Inner Peace

Productivity

  • Not To-do List
  • Project Management Software
  • Negative Energies

Relationship

  • Getting Back Your Ex

Self-help 21 and 14 Days Course

Self-improvement.

  • Body Language
  • Complainers
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Personality

Social Media

  • Project Management
  • Anik Singal
  • Baba Ramdev
  • Dwayne Johnson
  • Jackie Chan
  • Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Narendra Modi
  • Nikola Tesla
  • Sachin Tendulkar
  • Sandeep Maheshwari
  • Shaqir Hussyin

Website Development

Wisdom post, worlds most.

  • Expensive Cars

Our Portals: Gulf Canada USA Italy Gulf UK

Privacy Overview

Web Analytics

  • ENVIRONMENT

Why deforestation matters—and what we can do to stop it

Large scale destruction of trees—deforestation—affects ecosystems, climate, and even increases risk for zoonotic diseases spreading to humans.

As the world seeks to slow the pace of climate change , preserve wildlife, and support more than eight billion people , trees inevitably hold a major part of the answer. Yet the mass destruction of trees—deforestation—continues, sacrificing the long-term benefits of standing trees for short-term gain of fuel, and materials for manufacturing and construction.

We need trees for a variety of reasons, not least of which is that they absorb the carbon dioxide we exhale and the heat-trapping greenhouse gases that human activities emit. As those gases enter the atmosphere, global warming increases, a trend scientists now prefer to call climate change.

There is also the imminent danger of disease caused by deforestation. An estimated 60 percent of emerging infectious diseases come from animals, and a major cause of viruses’ jump from wildlife to humans is habitat loss, often through deforestation.

But we can still save our forests. Aggressive efforts to rewild and reforest are already showing success. Tropical tree cover alone can provide 23 percent of the climate mitigation needed to meet goals set in the Paris Agreement in 2015, according to one estimate .

a melting iceberg

Causes of deforestation

Forests still cover about 30 percent of the world’s land area, but they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Since 1990, the world has lost more than 420 million hectares or about a billion acres of forest, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations —mainly in Africa and South America. About 17 percent of the Amazonian rainforest has been destroyed over the past 50 years, and losses recently have been on the rise . The organization Amazon Conservation reports that destruction rose by 21 percent in 2020 , a loss the size of Israel.

Farming, grazing of livestock, mining, and drilling combined account for more than half of all deforestation . Forestry practices, wildfires and, in small part, urbanization account for the rest. In Malaysia and Indonesia, forests are cut down to make way for producing palm oil , which can be found in everything from shampoo to saltine crackers. In the Amazon, cattle ranching and farms—particularly soy plantations—are key culprits .

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Logging operations, which provide the world’s wood and paper products, also fell countless trees each year. Loggers, some of them acting illegally , also build roads to access more and more remote forests—which leads to further deforestation. Forests are also cut as a result of growing urban sprawl as land is developed for homes.

Not all deforestation is intentional. Some is caused by a combination of human and natural factors like wildfires and overgrazing, which may prevent the growth of young trees.

Why it matters

There are some 250 million people who live in forest and savannah areas and depend on them for subsistence and income—many of them among the world’s rural poor.

Eighty percent of Earth’s land animals and plants live in forests , and deforestation threatens species including the orangutan , Sumatran tiger , and many species of birds. Removing trees deprives the forest of portions of its canopy, which blocks the sun’s rays during the day and retains heat at night. That disruption leads to more extreme temperature swings that can be harmful to plants and animals.

With wild habitats destroyed and human life ever expanding, the line between animal and human areas blurs, opening the door to zoonotic diseases . In 2014, for example, the Ebola virus killed over 11,000 people in West Africa after fruit bats transmitted the disease to a toddler who was playing near trees where bats were roosting.

( How deforestation is leading to more infectious diseases in humans .)

You May Also Like

causes of deforestation essay

What is the ozone layer, and why does it matter?

causes of deforestation essay

Will the COP26 global deforestation pledge save forests?

causes of deforestation essay

This is the story of the first Earth Day—and why it mattered

Some scientists believe there could be as many as 1.7 million currently “undiscovered” viruses in mammals and birds, of which up to 827,000 could have the ability to infect people, according to a 2018 study .

Deforestation’s effects reach far beyond the people and animals where trees are cut. The South American rainforest, for example, influences regional and perhaps even global water cycles, and it's key to the water supply in Brazilian cities and neighboring countries. The Amazon actually helps furnish water to some of the soy farmers and beef ranchers who are clearing the forest. The loss of clean water and biodiversity from all forests could have many other effects we can’t foresee, touching even your morning cup of coffee .

In terms of climate change, cutting trees both adds carbon dioxide to the air and removes the ability to absorb existing carbon dioxide. If tropical deforestation were a country, according to the World Resources Institute , it would rank third in carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions, behind China and the U.S.

What can be done

The numbers are grim, but many conservationists see reasons for hope . A movement is under way to preserve existing forest ecosystems and restore lost tree cover by first reforesting (replanting trees) and ultimately rewilding (a more comprehensive mission to restore entire ecosystems).

( Which nation could be the first to be rewilded ?)

Organizations and activists are working to fight illegal mining and logging—National Geographic Explorer Topher White, for example, has come up with a way to use recycled cell phones to monitor for chainsaws . In Tanzania, the residents of Kokota have planted more than 2 million trees on their small island over a decade, aiming to repair previous damage. And in Brazil, conservationists are rallying in the face of ominous signals that the government may roll back forest protections.

( Which tree planting projects should you support ?)

Stopping deforestation before it reaches a critical point will play a key role in avoiding the next zoonotic pandemic. A November 2022 study showed that when bats struggle to find suitable habitat, they travel closer to human communities where diseases are more likely to spillover. Inversely, when bats’ native habitats were left intact, they stayed away from humans. This research is the first to show how we can predict and avoid spillovers through monitoring and maintaining wildlife habitats.

For consumers, it makes sense to examine the products and meats you buy, looking for sustainably produced sources when you can. Nonprofit groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance certify products they consider sustainable, while the World Wildlife Fund has a palm oil scorecard for consumer brands.

Related Topics

  • DEFORESTATION
  • ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
  • RAIN FORESTS

causes of deforestation essay

Climbing into the secret world of an ancient Bornean rainforest

causes of deforestation essay

Forests are reeling from climate change—but the future isn’t lost

causes of deforestation essay

They planted a forest at the edge of the desert. From there it got complicated.

causes of deforestation essay

Why this once isolated tribe took up cell phones and social media

causes of deforestation essay

Why forests are our best chance for survival in a warming world

  • Environment
  • Perpetual Planet
  • History & Culture

History & Culture

  • History Magazine
  • Mind, Body, Wonder
  • Paid Content
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Nat Geo Home
  • Attend a Live Event
  • Book a Trip
  • Inspire Your Kids
  • Shop Nat Geo
  • Visit the D.C. Museum
  • Learn About Our Impact
  • Support Our Mission
  • Advertise With Us
  • Customer Service
  • Renew Subscription
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Work at Nat Geo
  • Sign Up for Our Newsletters
  • Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

causes of deforestation essay

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

causes of deforestation essay

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

causes of deforestation essay

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Leverage Edu

  • School Education /

Essay on Deforestation: 100 Words, 300 Words

' src=

  • Updated on  
  • Apr 1, 2024

essay on deforestation

Deforestation means the widespread clearing of forests which has become a topic of global concern due to its severe environmental concerns. Deforestation as a topic is discussed and given as assignments to students for their better understanding. In this blog, we will learn the various facets of deforestation, its causes, consequences, and solutions. Also, there are some sample essay on deforestation to help students with their assignments.

causes of deforestation essay

Table of Contents

  • 1 What is Deforestation?
  • 2 Causes of Deforestation
  • 3 Consequences of Deforestation
  • 4 Solutions to Deforestation
  • 5 Sample Essay on Deforestation in 100 words
  • 6 Sample Essay on Deforestation in 300 words
  • 7 FAQs 

What is Deforestation?

Cutting down of trees on a large scale thus clearing forests which is then converted to land for human use is known as deforestation. The human use of land includes agriculture, making houses, commercial uses, etc. Almost 71.22 million hectare area of the total land of India is covered by forest. In the tropical and subtropical forests, deforestation is much more extreme. These areas are then converted into land for economical uses.

Causes of Deforestation

  • Logging – Trees are cut down to make furniture, paper, and other products.
  • Agriculture – Forests are cleared to make space for farming.
  • Urbanization –  Cities expand, leading to the destruction of forests.
  • Mining – Trees are removed to extract minerals and resources.

Also Read – Essay on Environment: Examples & Tips

Consequences of Deforestation

  • Loss of Biodiversity –  Animals lose their homes, and many become endangered or extinct.
  • Climate Change – Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so fewer trees mean more pollution and global warming .
  • Soil Erosion – Without trees, soil washes away, making it hard to grow crops.
  • Disruption of the Water Cycle -Trees help to control water, and without them, floods and droughts become more common.

Solutions to Deforestation

  • Planting Trees – People can plant new trees to replace the ones that were cut down.
  • Using Less Paper – If we use less paper, fewer trees will be cut for making paper.
  • Protecting Forest s – Governments can make rules to stop cutting down too many trees.
  • Supporting Sustainable Products – Buying things that don’t harm forests can help.

Sample Essay on Deforestation in 100 words

Deforestation is when trees are cut down and forests disappear. Trees give us clean air to breathe. Imagine if someone took away your home – that’s what happens to animals when forests are destroyed. It is a major environmental problem that has many negative consequences, such as climate change, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.

When we cut too many trees, it’s bad for nature. Animals lose their homes, and the air becomes dirty. When there are no trees, floods and droughts happen more often. We can help by planting new trees and taking care of the ones we have. Let’s protect the forests and the Earth!

Also Read- Essay on Waste Management

Sample Essay on Deforestation in 300 words

Deforestation is when people cut down a lot of trees from forests. Trees are important because they make the air fresh and give animals a place to live. When we cut down too many trees, it’s not good for the Earth. Animals lose their homes, and the air gets polluted. 

There are many causes of deforestation and one of the causes is Agriculture. Forests are cleared to make way for cropland and livestock grazing. Another reason is timber harvesting. Trees are cut down for timber, paper, and other wood products. Mining is also another cause and forests are cleared to access minerals and other resources. Even due to urbanization, trees are cut down to make way for roads, cities, and other developments.

Deforestation is the permanent removal of forests to make way for other land uses, such as agriculture, mining, and urban development. It is a major environmental problem that has many negative consequences. One of them is climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so deforestation contributes to climate change. Another consequence is soil erosion, when trees are removed, the soil is more easily eroded by wind and rain which can lead to flooding and landslides. Loss of biodiversity: Forests are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Deforestation can lead to the loss of these species.

There are many things that can be done to reduce deforestation. Such as we must plant trees, they can help to offset the effects of deforestation by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Secondly, reduce our consumption of wood products by using less paper, buying furniture made from recycled materials, and avoiding disposable products. Thirdly, by supporting sustainable agricultural practices that do not require the clearing of forests. Lastly, by conserving forests, we can create protected areas and support sustainable forest management practices.

Deforestation is a serious issue that affects the whole planet. But there’s hope! By planting trees, using less paper, and taking care of nature, we can make the Earth a better place for everyone. Remember, even though we are small, our actions can make a big difference.

Related Reads

Deforestation is cutting down trees and wiping out wide areas of forest. The major reasons behind these cutting down is because of human activities that are increasing the space for human usage like agricultural expansion, logging, agriculture,  expansion of infrastructure, etc.

Deforestation means the large-scale cutting down of trees or forests causing great concern and environmental hazards. It is predicted that if humans continue wiping the forest areas, we will no longer be able to breathe in a greener world. So, plant trees and make people aware of the concerns of deforestation.

There are many ways through which we can try to stop deforestation some of which are – planting trees, less use of paper, judicious buying, selling, and use of products, incorporating various recycling methods, aware and educating people, etc 

Hence, we hope that this blog has assisted you in comprehending what an essay on deforestation must include. If you are struggling with your career choices and need expert guidance, our Leverage Edu mentors are here to guide you at any point of your academic and professional journey thus ensuring that you take informed steps towards your dream career.

' src=

Rajshree Lahoty

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

causes of deforestation essay

Connect With Us

causes of deforestation essay

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today.

causes of deforestation essay

Resend OTP in

causes of deforestation essay

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

causes of deforestation essay

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

causes of deforestation essay

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

causes of deforestation essay

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

causes of deforestation essay

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

causes of deforestation essay

Don't Miss Out

Logo

Essay on Deforestation

Students are often asked to write an essay on Deforestation in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Deforestation

What is deforestation.

Deforestation is the removal of trees and forests, often to make space for farms or buildings. This process can harm the environment.

Causes of Deforestation

People cut down trees for many reasons. Some need land for farming or building. Others use wood for fuel, construction, or paper.

Effects of Deforestation

Deforestation can cause problems. Without trees, the soil can erode, leading to floods. It also means fewer habitats for animals and less oxygen production.

Solutions to Deforestation

There are ways to stop deforestation. We can plant more trees, protect existing forests, and use resources wisely.

Also check:

  • 10 Lines on Deforestation
  • Paragraph on Deforestation
  • Speech on Deforestation

250 Words Essay on Deforestation

Introduction.

Deforestation, the act of clearing or thinning forests, is a global concern with far-reaching implications. It is primarily driven by human activities such as agriculture, logging, and urbanization, resulting in a significant loss of biodiversity and contributing to climate change.

Impacts of Deforestation

Forests are vital for maintaining global biodiversity. They provide habitat to many species, and their destruction leads to a loss of habitat, threatening various species with extinction. Moreover, forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2, which helps mitigate climate change. Deforestation disrupts this balance, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and exacerbating global warming.

Economic Implications

While deforestation often provides short-term economic benefits, such as timber and land for agriculture, these are outweighed by the long-term costs. Forests provide ecosystem services like water filtration, soil preservation, and carbon sequestration, which are crucial for sustainable development. The loss of these services can lead to economic instability and increased vulnerability to environmental disasters.

Addressing deforestation requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves implementing sustainable forestry practices, promoting the use of alternatives to forest products, and enhancing legal frameworks to protect forests. Additionally, reforestation and afforestation initiatives can help restore degraded forest lands.

In conclusion, deforestation is a pressing issue that requires immediate global attention. It is crucial to balance economic development with environmental sustainability to ensure the survival of our planet’s diverse ecosystems. As stewards of the Earth, we must strive to protect and preserve our forests for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Deforestation

Deforestation, the act of clearing or thinning forests by humans, is a global issue with far-reaching implications. It is primarily driven by the need for agricultural expansion, urbanization, logging, and climate change. The impact of deforestation is not only environmental but also has significant social, economic, and political implications.

Agricultural expansion is a primary cause of deforestation, particularly in developing countries where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy. As the global population increases, so does the demand for food, leading to more forests being cleared to create farmland.

Urbanization, another major cause, is linked to population growth and economic development. As cities expand, forests are often destroyed to make way for new infrastructure. Additionally, logging for timber and fuelwood contributes to deforestation, driven by both local needs and global commerce.

Climate change exacerbates deforestation. As temperatures rise, forests become more susceptible to fires, pests, and diseases, leading to their decline. This, in turn, contributes to further climate change as forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.

The impacts of deforestation are multifaceted. Environmentally, it leads to a loss of biodiversity as forests are home to more than 80% of terrestrial species. The destruction of habitats can lead to species extinction and disrupt ecological balances.

Deforestation also contributes significantly to climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO2. When they are cut down, this carbon is released into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.

Socio-economically, deforestation can lead to the displacement of indigenous communities who rely on forests for their livelihoods. It can also cause soil erosion and decrease agricultural productivity, impacting food security.

Countermeasures to Deforestation

Tackling deforestation requires a multi-pronged approach. Sustainable forest management practices, such as selective logging and replanting, can help maintain forest cover while meeting timber and fuelwood needs.

Promoting sustainable agriculture can reduce the need for new farmland. This includes practices like agroforestry, which integrates trees into farming systems, and conservation agriculture, which minimizes soil disturbance.

Policy interventions are also crucial. This includes strengthening land rights, particularly for indigenous communities, and enforcing regulations on logging and land use. International cooperation is also necessary to reduce demand for products driving deforestation, like palm oil and soy.

Deforestation is a complex issue with profound implications for our planet and its inhabitants. It is intrinsically linked to other global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty. Addressing it requires concerted efforts across sectors and borders, combining sustainable practices, policy interventions, and international cooperation. The urgency of the issue cannot be overstated, as the health of our forests is ultimately the health of our planet.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

  • Essay on Culture
  • Essay on Criticism
  • Essay on Cricket

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Essay on Effects of Deforestation for Students and Children

500 words essay on the effects of deforestation.

The world is losing most of its natural resources as and when you read this. There are many factors which are making this happen, however, one major concern is that of deforestation. Human activities are resulting in deforestation at a very rapid rate. Moreover, the effects of this activity are very dangerous. We do not realize the damage we are causing to living beings as well as the vegetation by cutting down trees. It will be clearer if we understand the impact of deforestation and make attempts to prevent it.

essay on effects of deforestation

Impact of Deforestation

When we cut down even a single tree , the impact it has is huge. Now imagine if we clear out whole forests only altogether, how damaging would that be. We cut down forests to meet the needs of humans. In order to fulfill the agricultural , commercial , industrial , residential and other needs we remove forests . Most of the earth was covered with forests until a hundred years ago, however, now we don’t have much of them left.

Deforestation causes disruption in the ecological balance. Moreover, it also interferes with the lives of wildlife and human beings as well. Firstly, when there won’t be many forests left, the water cycle of the earth will get disturbed. There won’t be enough trees left to absorb the water. Moreover, it will cause floods and droughts too. Similarly, soil erosion will be another effect of deforestation.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Other than that, the climate will experience massive change. Global warming is also happening partly due to deforestation only. The oxygen level in the atmosphere will drop down by a great number and thus naturally carbon dioxide levels will increase. Most importantly, the wildlife is losing their habitats due to deforestation. Forests are their only home and with no place left to go, they either lose their lives or wreak havoc in the cities.

Therefore, we must all come together to stop this from happening and saving our earth as well as our lives. Humans must not be so selfish so as to make other animals homeless to shelter themselves. We must not damage our vegetation to create a beautiful garden for ourselves.

How to Prevent Deforestation?

We can do a lot of things that will contribute to preventing deforestation. To begin with, do not waste paper. The more demand there will be the more supply will happen. This way, trees will keep getting cut to meet these needs.

Similarly, the government must put a ban on deforestation so the big firms can find other alternatives instead of clearing forests for commercial and industrial needs. The laws must be made stringent enough and also implemented properly to prevent it.

Moreover, there must be measures taken to control the increasing population . As there are more mouths to feed and fewer resources, our nature and forests are getting burdened. There is not adequate supply to meet the ever-increasing demands of the population. Thus, the lesser the demand, the better the conditions of the forests as well.

FAQs on Effects of Deforestation

Q.1 What is the impact of deforestation?

A.1 Deforestation has many seriously damaging effects. It disrupts the water cycle and increases the level of carbon dioxide and decreases oxygen levels. Further, it also causes floods, droughts, soil erosion and more.

Q.2 How can we prevent deforestation?

A.2 We can do a joint effort to prevent deforestation. Do not waste paper so there will be lesser cutting of trees. The government must put a ban on deforestation. The government must practice population control so as to not burden forests to meet the ever-increasing needs.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

tutor

  • Travelling Essay
  • Picnic Essay
  • Our Country Essay
  • My Parents Essay
  • Essay on Favourite Personality
  • Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
  • Essay on Knowledge is Power
  • Essay on Gurpurab
  • Essay on My Favourite Season
  • Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

Google Play

Climate & Pollution Climate

Resources for Journalists

  • Food & Farming Media Network
  • How to Pitch Us
  • Freelance Charter
  • Work With Us

Sentient Media

  • Environmental Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Testimonials

What Are the Causes and Effects of Deforestation?

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, especially clearing land for cattle and soy to feed farmed animals.

deforestation

Explainer • Climate • Industry

Claire Hamlett

Words by Claire Hamlett

Forests are a critical global resource, covering around 30 percent of the planet or 4.06 billion hectares. Increasing rates of deforestation threaten this important resource but also much more — as forests are deeply intertwined with the impacts of climate change, biodiversity and the livelihoods of people who depend on these precious and powerful ecosystems.

What Is Deforestation?

Deforestation is the practice of intentionally cutting down trees to clear land for other uses. In the past 10,000 years, the world has lost 2 billion hectares — or one-third — of its forested land, and half of that has occurred since 1900. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that an average of 10 million hectares of forest are cut down each year, but some years are much worse than others. 2016 remains the worst year on record for deforestation at 29.7 million hectares , partly due to significant forest fires.

What Are the Effects of Deforestation?

The impacts of deforestation are felt throughout the environment and the natural cycles that regulate life on Earth, as well as in human communities and the animals that depend on forests for habitat.

What Are the Negative Effects of Deforestation on the Environment?

Soil erosion and desertification.

Trees and natural vegetation help to hold soil in place. When they are removed, the nutrient-rich topsoil erodes, and is easily washed away in heavy rains or blown away by wind. Rough, sandy particles that can’t retain water are left behind, making the land unsuitable for growing crops as it eventually turns into a desert. As forests also regulate the water cycle, clearing them leads to drier local climates, further adding to the risk of desertification.

Climate Change

Forests store huge amounts of carbon, which can be released into the atmosphere when they are cut down. Deforestation accounts for around 10 percent of anthropogenic carbon emissions. Tropical forests are under such severe assault that they have tipped from being a net sink to a net source for carbon emissions, now emitting more than they can store.

A landmark study published in Global Change Biology in 2007 found evidence from around the globe that deforestation increases the frequency of flooding events as well as making the impacts more severe — increasing the length of floods, the number of people displaced and killed and the physical damage caused. Various further studies have also revealed the different ways that deforestation increases floods. For example, a 2012 study published in Water Resources Research on deforestation in Canada found that felling large areas of forest in snowy regions can double or even quadruple the number of large floods around the streams and rivers that pass through those forests by exposing snow to sunlight and making it melt faster. A 2022 study published by PNAS found that coastal cities in West Africa are experiencing more frequent thunderstorms and flash flooding due to deforestation, which alters the local climate.

How Does Deforestation Affect Us?

Deforestation negatively impacts public health in several ways. Fragmentation of wildlife habitat through forest clearing has increased the spillover of novel pathogens from wildlife to people. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the loss of forest also risks the loss of potential future medicinal resources. By contributing to and exacerbating the impacts of climate change, such as floods, deforestation increases the risk of death, particularly for people in parts of the world that are more vulnerable to extreme weather. When we lose forests, we also lose a source of more direct health benefits such as improved mental and physical well-being and cleaner air .

Food Insecurity

Forests provide food for millions of people and fuelwood for cooking for 2.4 billion, particularly in developing countries. By maintaining soil quality, regulating climate and providing habitats and food for a diverse range of species, forests are a critical component of food production beyond their bounds as well. All of these benefits are threatened by deforestation, which also adds to the pressure on global food supplies due to climate change.

Local People and Their Livelihoods

Communities who live in and near forests are deeply impacted by deforestation. According to the World Bank , rural households living near forests can derive as much as 22 percent of their income from forest resources including timber, food, fuel, fodder, construction materials and medicine. As these resources become more scarce due to tree clearing, communities from Cameroon to India are struggling to make ends meet. Deforestation can also lead to migration, social disruption and conflict .

Effects of Deforestation on Biodiversity

Habitat loss.

Forests are some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, providing homes to trees, plants, animals, insects, microorganisms and carbon-sequestering fungi . Deforestation fragments and degrades this habitat, reducing or destroying its capacity to support other species.

Wildlife Extinction

When their habitat is destroyed, many forest-dwelling species struggle to survive in the pockets of forest that are left. Smaller areas of habitat can only support smaller populations of a species, reducing their gene pool and leaving them more vulnerable to hunting, poaching and predators. As some species are unique to specific forest regions, they can easily become extinct when their habitat is destroyed.

Acidic Oceans

When carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves into the oceans, it lowers the pH of the water and causes acidification. Because forests are such important carbon sinks, another result  of deforestation is that more carbon dioxide ends up in the oceans as less is absorbed by trees.

What Animals Are Affected By Deforestation?

Deforestation and unsustainable logging threaten more than 4,000 species . Forest-dependent animals that have gone extinct just this century include the Formosan clouded leopard of Taiwan, the cryptic treehunter bird of Brazil and the Mount Glorious torrent frog of Australia.

What Are the Causes of Deforestation?

Animal agriculture.

Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation. A massive 41 percent of tropical deforestation — 2.1 million hectares a year — is directly linked to the expansion of pasture for grazing beef cattle, mostly in Brazil. In addition, nearly 500,000 hectares of forest is cleared every year to grow soy, the majority of which — around 77 percent — ends up as livestock feed.

Forest Fires

Fires are a naturally occurring event in some forest ecosystems and controlled fires have also been used sustainably by Indigenous communities for centuries to clear small pockets of land for agriculture. But forest fires are becoming more frequent and ferocious, breaking out in new regions as humid forests dry out . The remaining fragmented forests are more prone to fires as climate change is making conditions drier and hotter, which in turn makes it easier for fires to start and grow out of control.

In 2021, Russia had its worst fire season on record (monitoring began properly in 2001), with 18.13 million hectares of forest destroyed. The Amazon rainforest had a particularly bad year of fires in 2019 , with over 9,000 fires raging at one point. Last month, 17,000 hectares of pine forest burned to the ground in France.

Illegal Logging

There is a multi-billion dollar industry based on illegally harvested timber and related products such as paper and packaging. Some illegal logging also occurs to replace natural forest with monoculture plantations. 

Around 44 percent of large-scale mining operations are located in forests, and experts have warned that granting new mining licenses in currently protected areas of the Amazon, as Brazil’s president wants to do, will result in thousands of square kilometers of new deforestation. Illegal mining, mainly for gold, drove the destruction of more than 40,000 hectares of forest in Tambopata National Reserve in Peru from 2001 to 2014.

Overpopulation

The human population already stands on the cusp of 8 billion and is projected to peak at 10.88 billion at the turn of the next century. If current unsustainable uses of land continue apace, including clearing forests for agriculture and exploitation of other resources, the growth in population will exert further pressure on forest ecosystems.

Around 66 million tons of palm oil is produced every year for use in household products, food, animal feed and as fuel for power and vehicles. The amount of land used to grow oil palm has grown from 4 million hectares in 1980 to 19 million in 2018. Along with soy, the expansion of oil palm plantations is the second biggest cause of deforestation globally after animal agriculture — though it accounts for less than half the amount of deforestation caused by cattle ranching. Nonetheless, it has been a disaster for forest wildlife, threatening nearly 200 species on the IUCN’s red list , including tigers and orangutans.

Around 405 million tonnes of paper and paperboard are produced annually, accounting for roughly 13 to 15 percent of total wood consumption — and demand for these products is increasing. Forests are being cleared in biodiversity hotspots to grow pulp plantations. Several forest regions, including the old-growth boreal forests of Canada, are also being clear-cut to produce pulp for making toilet paper and other tissue products.

Urbanization

It was once hoped that urbanization, the process by which a population moves to urban areas, would decrease pressure on forests by slowing down the clearing of land for agriculture. But instead, the key drivers of deforestation have shifted too, with more populous urban areas driving up demand for products like beef, as found in a study published in 2010 in Nature Geoscience and a more recent study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research International in 2020 .

Where Is Deforestation Happening?

Deforestation in south america.

Brazil has by far the worst rate of deforestation in the world, with a net loss of 1.45 million hectares of forest per year. But all of South America, bar a handful of countries including Chile and Costa Rica, are losing more forest than they are gaining. Around 17 percent of the Amazon, the majority of which is in Brazil, had been cleared by 2018 — the same year Jair Bolsanaro was elected President, since when he has been loosening environmental protections for the rainforest and encouraging its development. The second largest forest in South America is the Cerrado, which covers more than 20 percent of Brazil but is often overlooked. It has suffered twice as much deforestation as the Amazon since 2008, mainly due to the expansion of animal agriculture.

Deforestation in Southeast Asia

Indonesia is another deforestation hotspot , with rates comparable to South America. Palm oil and logging are the main causes of deforestation in Indonesia as well as Malaysia. More than half of the natural forest cover of Southeast Asia has been lost — a catastrophe for the region’s wildlife.

Deforestation in Africa

Deforestation rates vary greatly between African countries. Agricultural expansion is a major driver, with cocoa playing a significant role, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Producing nearly 3 million tons of cocoa every year requires huge amounts of land. Protected areas and their wildlife have been ravaged by cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire, and 10 percent of Ghana’s forests were cleared for cocoa production between 2001 and 2014 . Logging for timber and demand for charcoal as a cooking fuel are also big drivers of deforestation in different parts of the continent.

How Can We Stop Deforestation?

Consuming less and more consciously.

There are several actions people can take as individuals to prevent further deforestation, including buying less and making more conscious choices about what to buy. For example, you could look for second hand wood products like furniture and recycled tissue and paper products, or reduce consumption of products containing palm oil.

Eating Less Meat

As animal agriculture is the biggest driver of deforestation, cutting down on or avoiding meat is another key action individuals can take. Even if the meat itself has not been imported from a country experiencing deforestation, feed for farmed animals including dairy cows, pigs and chickens is often sourced from deforested areas. A 2021 study published in Nature found that replacing half of global meat consumption with fungi-derived protein could prevent 82 percent of future deforestation.

Government Regulations

Governments must do more to end deforestation. At the 2021 UN Climate Summit, COP26, more than 100 world leaders committed to halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030, offering up billions in funding to that end. But a similar pledge in 2014, the New York Declaration on Forests, was a failure . 

Still, because corporate deforestation commitments are insufficient on their own, government regulations remain essential. For example, the European Union, as the second biggest importer of agricultural products resulting from deforestation, has proposed mandatory due diligence requirements on companies to improve reporting and transparency in their supply chains. Both producer and consumer countries of products linked to deforestation need to improve forest governance such as better auditing, licensing and certification programs. 

Spread Awareness About Deforestation

Research show the simple act of talking about climate change is one of the most effective forms of climate action. This could include discussing the larger role forests play in planetary health or highlighting products that are most likely to have come from deforested areas.

Leave Fossil Fuels and Palm Oil Behind

Burning fossil fuels is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, generating more than forests can absorb. As long as humanity keeps burning fossil fuels, climate change will keep negatively impacting forests and contribute to forest loss through worsening wildfires. But what we replace fossil fuels with matters to deforestation too. Palm oil is already being used as a replacement, but its environmental and climate costs are significant . Reducing the need for fossil and biofuels through, for example, improved transportation infrastructure, and replacing the remainder with cleaner sources of energy and fuel is crucial.

Reforestation and Afforestation

Reforestation involves the restoration of an area that was recently deforested, while afforestation means establishing forests where there were none or have been none for a long time. Allowing forests to naturally regenerate is gaining recognition as a cost-effective reforestation strategy. Reforestation is occurring in countries from Russia to China — but the key challenge is whether these efforts can outpace the rate at which trees are lost. There are notable afforestation efforts underway around the world, including China, which has increased its forest cover by 22 percent since the late 1970s.

Further Action

In addition to reducing your own consumption of deforestation-linked products, you can support or campaign for policies that aim to reduce such consumption at a larger scale. Another key form of action — support Indigenous communities who are defending forests from being cleared by corporations by donating to relevant nonprofits or to legal defense funds for Indigenous activists. 

Independent Journalism Needs You

Claire is a freelance writer covering animals, climate, and the environment.

Group of cows staring at camera

Plans to Curb Meat and Dairy Emissions Have a Deadline, and It’s Sooner Than You Think

Climate • 6 min read

More Climate & Pollution

A cow wearing a methane mask

Is ‘Climate-Friendly Beef’ Always Just Greenwashing?

Climate • 8 min read

Mushroom swiss burger and fries

UN Climate Plan Fails to Tackle Emissions from Meat, Researchers Warn

The FAO’s food system roadmap omits the most urgent climate intervention — curbing how much meat we eat.

Climate • 3 min read

A numbat

New Climate Research Shows How Plants and Animals Face New Pressures in a Warming World

Thanks to climate change, many species are facing a tough road ahead.

A plant-based burger with toppings

Why Plant-Based Burgers at Fast Food Chains Get So… Mushy

Diet • 8 min read

Plant sources of protein

How Much Protein You Need to Be Healthy, Explained

Diet • 10 min read

Closeup of cow on farm

5 Ways Taxpayers Bail Out Factory Farms

Law & Policy • 6 min read

Fish in fishing net

Fish Feel Pain, Science Shows — But Humans Are Reluctant To Believe It

Science • 9 min read

Most Read Today

  • CBSE Class 10th
  • CBSE Class 12th
  • UP Board 10th
  • UP Board 12th
  • Bihar Board 10th
  • Bihar Board 12th
  • Top Schools in India
  • Top Schools in Delhi
  • Top Schools in Mumbai
  • Top Schools in Chennai
  • Top Schools in Hyderabad
  • Top Schools in Kolkata
  • Top Schools in Pune
  • Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

  • JEE Main Knockout April
  • Free Sample Papers
  • Free Ebooks
  • NCERT Notes
  • NCERT Syllabus
  • NCERT Books
  • RD Sharma Solutions
  • Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
  • NCERT Solutions
  • NCERT Solutions for Class 12
  • NCERT Solutions for Class 11
  • NCERT solutions for Class 10
  • NCERT solutions for Class 9
  • NCERT solutions for Class 8
  • NCERT Solutions for Class 7
  • JEE Main 2024
  • MHT CET 2024
  • JEE Advanced 2024
  • BITSAT 2024
  • View All Engineering Exams
  • Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
  • Top Engineering Colleges in India
  • Engineering Colleges in India
  • Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
  • Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
  • Top IITs in India
  • Top NITs in India
  • Top IIITs in India
  • JEE Main College Predictor
  • JEE Main Rank Predictor
  • MHT CET College Predictor
  • AP EAMCET College Predictor
  • GATE College Predictor
  • KCET College Predictor
  • JEE Advanced College Predictor
  • View All College Predictors
  • JEE Main Question Paper
  • JEE Main Cutoff
  • JEE Main Answer Key
  • JEE Main Result
  • Download E-Books and Sample Papers
  • Compare Colleges
  • B.Tech College Applications
  • JEE Advanced Registration
  • MAH MBA CET Exam
  • View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

  • MBA College Admissions
  • MBA Colleges in India
  • Top IIMs Colleges in India
  • Top Online MBA Colleges in India
  • MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
  • BBA Colleges in India
  • XAT College Predictor 2024
  • SNAP College Predictor
  • NMAT College Predictor
  • MAT College Predictor 2024
  • CMAT College Predictor 2024
  • CAT Percentile Predictor 2023
  • CAT 2023 College Predictor
  • CMAT 2024 Registration
  • TS ICET 2024 Registration
  • CMAT Exam Date 2024
  • MAH MBA CET Cutoff 2024
  • Download Helpful Ebooks
  • List of Popular Branches
  • QnA - Get answers to your doubts
  • IIM Fees Structure
  • AIIMS Nursing
  • Top Medical Colleges in India
  • Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
  • Medical Colleges accepting NEET
  • List of Medical Colleges in India
  • List of AIIMS Colleges In India
  • Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
  • Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
  • NEET College Predictor
  • NEET PG College Predictor
  • NEET MDS College Predictor
  • DNB CET College Predictor
  • DNB PDCET College Predictor
  • NEET Application Form 2024
  • NEET PG Application Form 2024
  • NEET Cut off
  • NEET Online Preparation
  • Download Helpful E-books
  • LSAT India 2024
  • Colleges Accepting Admissions
  • Top Law Colleges in India
  • Law College Accepting CLAT Score
  • List of Law Colleges in India
  • Top Law Colleges in Delhi
  • Top Law Collages in Indore
  • Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
  • Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

  • CLAT College Predictor
  • MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
  • AILET College Predictor
  • Sample Papers
  • Compare Law Collages
  • Careers360 Youtube Channel
  • CLAT Syllabus 2025
  • CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
  • AIBE 18 Result 2023
  • NID DAT Exam
  • Pearl Academy Exam

Animation Courses

  • Animation Courses in India
  • Animation Courses in Bangalore
  • Animation Courses in Mumbai
  • Animation Courses in Pune
  • Animation Courses in Chennai
  • Animation Courses in Hyderabad
  • Design Colleges in India
  • Fashion Design Colleges in Bangalore
  • Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
  • Fashion Design Colleges in Pune
  • Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
  • Fashion Design Colleges in Hyderabad
  • Fashion Design Colleges in India
  • Top Design Colleges in India
  • Free Design E-books
  • List of Branches
  • Careers360 Youtube channel
  • NIFT College Predictor
  • UCEED College Predictor
  • NID DAT College Predictor
  • IPU CET BJMC
  • JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
  • IIMC Entrance Exam
  • Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
  • Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
  • Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
  • List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
  • CA Intermediate
  • CA Foundation
  • CS Executive
  • CS Professional
  • Difference between CA and CS
  • Difference between CA and CMA
  • CA Full form
  • CMA Full form
  • CS Full form
  • CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

  • Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
  • Master of Commerce (M.Com)
  • Company Secretary
  • Cost Accountant
  • Charted Accountant
  • Credit Manager
  • Financial Advisor
  • Top Commerce Colleges in India
  • Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
  • Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
  • Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
  • Top B.Com Colleges in India
  • IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
  • IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
  • MCA Colleges in India
  • BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

  • Information Technology Courses
  • Programming Courses
  • Web Development Courses
  • Data Analytics Courses
  • Big Data Analytics Courses
  • RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
  • Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
  • Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
  • Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
  • Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
  • Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
  • List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
  • GPAT Result
  • GPAT 2024 Admit Card
  • GPAT Question Papers
  • NCHMCT JEE 2024
  • Mah BHMCT CET
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
  • Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
  • B.Sc Hotel Management
  • Hotel Management
  • Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

  • Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
  • UPSC IAS 2024
  • SSC CGL 2024
  • IBPS RRB 2024
  • Previous Year Sample Papers
  • Free Competition E-books
  • Sarkari Result
  • QnA- Get your doubts answered
  • UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
  • CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
  • SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
  • NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

  • NDA Application Form 2024
  • UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
  • CDS Application Form 2024
  • CTET Admit card 2024
  • HP TET Result 2023
  • SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
  • UPTET Notification 2024
  • SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

  • SSC CHSL 2024
  • UP PCS 2024
  • UGC NET 2024
  • RRB NTPC 2024
  • IBPS PO 2024
  • IBPS Clerk 2024
  • IBPS SO 2024
  • Top University in USA
  • Top University in Canada
  • Top University in Ireland
  • Top Universities in UK
  • Top Universities in Australia
  • Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
  • Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

  • Study in USA
  • Study in UK
  • Study in Canada
  • Study in Australia
  • Study in Ireland
  • Study in Germany
  • Study in China
  • Study in Europe

Student Visas

  • Student Visa Canada
  • Student Visa UK
  • Student Visa USA
  • Student Visa Australia
  • Student Visa Germany
  • Student Visa New Zealand
  • Student Visa Ireland
  • CUET PG 2024
  • IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
  • DU Admission 2024
  • UP B.Ed JEE 2024
  • LPU NEST 2024
  • IIT JAM 2024
  • IGNOU Online Admission 2024
  • Universities in India
  • Top Universities in India 2024
  • Top Colleges in India
  • Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
  • Top Universities in Bihar
  • Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
  • Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
  • Central Universities in India
  • CUET Exam City Intimation Slip 2024
  • IGNOU Date Sheet
  • CUET Mock Test 2024
  • CUET Admit card 2024
  • CUET PG Syllabus 2024
  • CUET Participating Universities 2024
  • CUET Previous Year Question Paper
  • CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
  • E-Books and Sample Papers
  • CUET Exam Pattern 2024
  • CUET Exam Date 2024
  • CUET Syllabus 2024
  • IGNOU Exam Form 2024
  • IGNOU Result
  • CUET Courses List 2024

Engineering Preparation

  • Knockout JEE Main 2024
  • Test Series JEE Main 2024
  • JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

  • Knockout NEET 2024
  • Test Series NEET 2024
  • Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

  • JEE Main One Month Course
  • NEET One Month Course
  • IBSAT Free Mock Tests
  • IIT JEE Foundation Course
  • Knockout BITSAT 2024
  • Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

  • IT & Software Certification Courses
  • Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
  • Programming And Development Certification Courses
  • Business and Management Certification Courses
  • Marketing Certification Courses
  • Health and Fitness Certification Courses
  • Design Certification Courses

Specializations

  • Digital Marketing Certification Courses
  • Cyber Security Certification Courses
  • Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
  • Business Analytics Certification Courses
  • Data Science Certification Courses
  • Cloud Computing Certification Courses
  • Machine Learning Certification Courses
  • View All Certification Courses
  • UG Degree Courses
  • PG Degree Courses
  • Short Term Courses
  • Free Courses
  • Online Degrees and Diplomas
  • Compare Courses

Top Providers

  • Coursera Courses
  • Udemy Courses
  • Edx Courses
  • Swayam Courses
  • upGrad Courses
  • Simplilearn Courses
  • Great Learning Courses

Access premium articles, webinars, resources to make the best decisions for career, course, exams, scholarships, study abroad and much more with

Plan, Prepare & Make the Best Career Choices

Deforestation Essay

The deliberate clearance of forested terrain is known as deforestation. Forests have been cleared throughout history and into the present era to make room for agriculture and animal grazing as well as to obtain wood for fuel, manufacture, and construction. Our best opportunity to protect the rights of forest communities and preserve wildlife is to stop this destruction. Here are a few sample essays on the topic ‘Deforestation’.

100 Words Essay On Deforestation

200 words essay on deforestation, 500 words essay on deforestation.

Deforestation Essay

Deforestation is the conversion of a forested area to land that is not forested. Deforestation can refer to natural or man-made causes. When speaking about natural causes, it typically refers to the result of a wildfire. On the other hand, man-made causes of deforestation are almost always the result of logging, both legal and illegal. Since ancient times, forests have played a significant role in human history. They are used for a variety of daily tasks, including producing paper, building ships, housing, and heating fuel. For us and our future generations to enjoy and live a healthy, tranquil existence in a clean environment free of pollution, forests are considered essential.

Deforestation is the large-scale clearance of forests through plant logging or forest fires to satisfy individual requirements. Deforestation can refer to the natural loss of trees, as well as the potential destruction of forests due to the practices of people. The management of the environment's natural equilibrium and the welfare of the entire human race depend greatly on forests. But despite knowing the negative repercussions on society and the environment, people constantly cut down trees. The most common cause of deforestation is the conversion of forested land to agricultural land or other uses.

Agricultural expansion is a major driver of deforestation in many developing countries. In Latin America, for example, small farmers clear forests to create new pastureland or cropland to support their families and communities. In some cases, large-scale commercial agriculture operations drive deforestation. For example, cattle ranching and soybean production are responsible for much of the Amazon rainforest deforestation. Other causes of deforestation include illegal logging, forest fires, and the building of roads and other infrastructure projects in or near forests. The consequences of deforestation are far-reaching and affect both people and the environment. Deforestation can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. It also negatively impacts the livelihoods of people who depend on forests for their food, shelter, and income.

Deforestation is the process of converting a forested area to unforested land. Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses. The most common cause of deforestation is conversion of forest land to farms, ranching and urbanization. Other causes include mining, logging and the burning of forests to clear land for palm oil plantations. The effects of deforestation are vast and devastating. It contributes to global warming, as trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Deforestation also increases soil erosion, destroys habitats and decreases biodiversity. Additionally, it can lead to flash flooding and mudslides.

Causes of Deforestation

Clearing For Agriculture | Forested land is cleared for crops or pasture. This is the primary cause of deforestation in many countries, including Indonesia, India, and Brazil.

Cutting Trees For Timber | Trees are cut down for lumber and wood products. This is a major cause of deforestation in most of the countries.

Building Roads And Other Infrastructure | Roads and other forms of development require the clear-cutting of trees and other vegetation. This can lead to deforestation in areas where this development takes place.

Forest Fire | Both natural and human-caused fires can contribute to deforestation. In some cases, forested areas are purposefully set on fire in order to clear the land for other uses.

Effects Of Deforestation

Loss Of Habitat | Deforestation can lead to the loss of habitat for animals, as well as plants. This can threaten species with extinction and disrupt ecosystems. Climate Change | Deforestation can contribute to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, trees play an important role in regulating the climate, so the loss of trees can further contribute to climate change.

Soil Erosion | Without trees to help anchor the soil, deforestation can lead to soil erosion. This can cause problems with flooding and make it difficult to grow crops or grasses in the affected areas.

How To Prevent Deforestation | There are many ways to prevent deforestation.

One way is to support responsible forestry practices that ensure trees are sustainably harvested. Another way is to reduce your consumption of products that contribute to deforestation, such as palm oil. You can also support organisations working to protect forests. By making wise decisions every day, you can contribute to the effort to safeguard forests. We can all contribute to the campaign to safeguard forests by using less, eliminating single-use packaging, eating sustainably, and choosing goods made of recycled or ethically harvested wood.

Deforestation is caused by a variety of factors, including logging, agriculture, and mining. The effects of deforestation are far-reaching and devastating, impacting both the environment and the people who live in it. Deforestation can lead to soil erosion, decreased water quality, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. It also contributes to poverty and social conflict. To prevent deforestation, we must work to protect forests and promote sustainable land use practices. Governments must play a role if we are to reduce deforestation. To live in a future free from severe climate disruption, we need world leaders to support ambitious national and international forest conservation policies based on the most recent scientific research.

Explore Career Options (By Industry)

  • Construction
  • Entertainment
  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology

Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

Applications for Admissions are open.

Aakash iACST Scholarship Test 2024

Aakash iACST Scholarship Test 2024

Get up to 90% scholarship on NEET, JEE & Foundation courses

JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas

JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Chemistry formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

ALLEN NEET Coaching

ALLEN NEET Coaching

Ace your NEET preparation with ALLEN Online Programs

SAT® | CollegeBoard

SAT® | CollegeBoard

Registeration closing on 19th Apr for SAT® | One Test-Many Universities | 90% discount on registrations fee | Free Practice | Multiple Attempts | no penalty for guessing

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

Thinking of Studying Abroad? Think the TOEFL® test. Register now & Save 10% on English Proficiency Tests with Gift Cards

PTE Exam 2024 Registrations

PTE Exam 2024 Registrations

Register now for PTE & Save 5% on English Proficiency Tests with Gift Cards

Everything about Education

Latest updates, Exclusive Content, Webinars and more.

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

student

Cetifications

student

We Appeared in

Economic Times

Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Environmental Issues — The Importance of Deforestation

test_template

The Importance of Deforestation

  • Categories: Environmental Issues

About this sample

close

Words: 604 |

Published: Mar 6, 2024

Words: 604 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The environmental impact, the economic benefits, the importance of sustainable practices, the role of government and international cooperation.

Image of Alex Wood

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Environment

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

3 pages / 1169 words

3 pages / 1312 words

2 pages / 1102 words

2 pages / 668 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Environmental Issues

ABC News. (n.d.). 'Irreversible Climate Change.' Retrieved from 19.

Biochemistry, the study of chemical processes within living organisms, plays a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainability efforts. Understanding the biochemical processes of organisms, [...]

The natural environment plays a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, providing oxygen and water that are essential for all living beings.However, the movie The Lorax depicts a walled city called Thneedville where destructive [...]

The environment is the foundation of life on earth and ensures that humans and other living organisms can thrive. However, human activities have created significant environmental challenges in the modern world. This essay will [...]

Littering and pollution is a major issue around the world today. It affects all of our lives, and will affect us for years to come. Littering and pollution play a major part in our lives. Everywhere we walk and drive there is [...]

“Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.” (Winston S. Churchill). Humans tend to act ignorant when it comes to the painful truth for they believe [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

causes of deforestation essay

  • School Guide
  • CBSE Notes for Class 8
  • CBSE Notes for Class 9
  • CBSE Notes for Class 10
  • CBSE Notes for Class 11
  • CBSE Notes for Class 12
  • NCERT Solutions
  • English Grammar
  • Basic Maths Formulas
  • 500+ Words Essay on Mahatma Gandhi in English
  • 500+ Words Essay on Natural Disasters For Students
  • Essay on I Love My Family For Kids
  • Essay on My Pet Dog in English For Students
  • Letter For Closing Bank Account: Check Format and Samples
  • Essay on My Family: Short, 10 Lines, 100 Words Essay
  • Essay on Dog For Kids and Children: Check 200, 300 & 500 Words Essay
  • My Aim in Life Essay For Students: 100, 200 & 500 Words Essay
  • Rabindranath Tagore Essay in English For Students
  • 500+ Words Essay on Swami Vivekananda in English for Students
  • Essay on My House in English: Check 300, 500 & 800 Words Essay
  • 800 Words Essay On Internet in English for Students
  • 500+ Words Essay on Mother Teresa in English For Students
  • Essay on Science in English: Check 200, 300 & 500 Words Essay
  • 800+ Words Essay on My Dream For Students
  • 500+ Words Essay on Air Pollution
  • Essay on Summer Vacation For Students in English: Samples Class 3 to 5
  • Essay on My Father in English: 300, 500 & 800 Words Essay
  • Essay on My Favourite Game in English For Students

500+ Words Essay on Deforestation For Students

Deep within the lush heart of the Amazon rainforest, the relentless rhythm of chainsaws echoes through the canopy, signaling a destructive force that is rapidly altering the face of our planet. Deforestation, the large-scale clearing of forests, is a global crisis that threatens not only the delicate ecosystems that sustain life but also the very future of our world. In this blog, you will get essay writing tips for Essays on Deforestation.

Table of Content

Causes of Deforestation

Effects of deforestation, precautions and solutions, 500+ words essay on deforestation.

The underlying causes of deforestation are complex and multifaceted, driven by a combination of human activities and economic pressures. One of the primary drivers is agricultural expansion, as vast swaths of forestland are cleared to make way for crops and grazing lands. The demand for commodities such as palm oil, soybeans, and beef has fueled the rapid conversion of forests into monoculture plantations and pastures.

Another significant contributor to deforestation is illegal logging, driven by the insatiable demand for timber and the lucrative profits that can be derived from this illicit trade. Poverty and lack of economic opportunities in rural areas also play a role, as communities turn to unsustainable practices like slash-and-burn agriculture to eke out a living.

Furthermore, the construction of roads, mining operations, and infrastructure development projects often encroach upon forested areas, leading to further destruction and fragmentation of these vital ecosystems.

The consequences of deforestation are far-reaching and devastating, impacting not only the environment but also the well-being of countless species and human communities.

One of the most alarming effects of deforestation is its contribution to climate change. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When these forests are cleared, the stored carbon is released back into the air, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and accelerating global warming.

Deforestation also poses a grave threat to biodiversity. Forests are home to an astounding array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. As their habitats are destroyed, these species face the risk of extinction, irreversibly diminishing the planet’s rich tapestry of life.

The loss of forests has severe implications for indigenous communities and local populations who rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods, food, and traditional practices. Deforestation disrupts the delicate balance of these communities, often leading to displacement, loss of resources, and cultural erosion.

In addition, deforestation can have far-reaching impacts on water cycles and soil stability. Without the protective canopy of trees, the land becomes more susceptible to erosion, leading to sedimentation and degradation of water sources. This, in turn, can exacerbate the risk of floods and droughts, further compounding the environmental and social challenges.

Addressing the issue of deforestation requires a multifaceted approach that involves stakeholders at all levels, from governments and international organizations to local communities and individuals.

One crucial step is the implementation of stringent laws and regulations to protect forests and promote sustainable land management practices. Governments must prioritize the enforcement of these laws and hold accountable those who engage in illegal logging or unsanctioned deforestation activities.

Furthermore, there is a pressing need to support and incentivize sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. This can include promoting agroforestry systems, which integrate trees and crops on the same land, as well as encouraging the cultivation of crops that do not require extensive land clearing.

Efforts must also be made to empower and engage local communities in conservation efforts. By recognizing the traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous peoples, and involving them in decision-making processes, we can foster a sense of ownership and stewardship over these invaluable natural resources.

On a global scale, initiatives such as REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) aim to provide financial incentives to developing countries that implement policies and measures to protect their forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

Consumer awareness and responsible consumption play a pivotal role in addressing deforestation. By making informed choices and supporting products and companies that prioritize sustainable practices, we can collectively reduce the demand for goods that contribute to deforestation.

Reforestation and restoration efforts are also critical in mitigating the impacts of deforestation. Organizations and governments must prioritize the planting of new trees and the restoration of degraded landscapes, helping to replenish the invaluable ecosystem services provided by forests.

With each resounding crash of a felled tree, the world’s forests are diminishing at an alarming rate, stripped away by the insatiable appetite of human activities. Deforestation, the large-scale clearing of forested areas, is a grave environmental crisis that demands immediate attention and action.

The primary driver behind deforestation is the expansion of agricultural land, as vast swaths of forests are cleared to make way for crops, grazing pastures, and plantations. The demand for commodities such as palm oil, soybeans, and beef has fueled this destructive process, leading to the rapid conversion of once-thriving ecosystems into monoculture landscapes.

Another significant contributor to deforestation is illegal logging, driven by the lucrative profits that can be derived from this illicit trade. Poverty and lack of economic opportunities in rural areas also compel communities to engage in unsustainable practices like slash-and-burn agriculture, further exacerbating the problem.

The consequences of deforestation are far-reaching and devastating. Forests act as essential carbon sinks, absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When these forests are cleared, the stored carbon is released back into the air, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and accelerating global warming, which in turn contributes to more extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels.

Furthermore, deforestation poses a grave threat to biodiversity. Forests are home to an astounding array of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. As their habitats are destroyed, these species face the risk of extinction, irreversibly diminishing the planet’s rich tapestry of life.

The loss of forests also has severe implications for indigenous communities and local populations who rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods, food, and traditional practices. Deforestation disrupts the delicate balance of these communities, often leading to displacement, loss of resources, and cultural erosion.

Addressing the issue of deforestation requires a multifaceted approach that involves stakeholders at all levels. Governments must prioritize the implementation and enforcement of stringent laws and regulations to protect forests and promote sustainable land management practices. Efforts must also be made to support and incentivize sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, such as agroforestry systems that integrate trees and crops on the same land.

Moreover, consumer awareness and responsible consumption play a pivotal role in reducing the demand for goods that contribute to deforestation. By making informed choices and supporting products and companies that prioritize sustainable practices, we can collectively drive positive change.

Ultimately, the preservation of our forests is not just an environmental imperative; it is a moral obligation to safeguard the intricate web of life that sustains our planet. As we confront the realities of deforestation, we must summon a renewed sense of urgency and collective action, recognizing that the fate of our forests, and ultimately our own fate, is inextricably intertwined with the health of our planet.

Also Read: 500+ Words Essay on Air Pollution 800+ Words Essay on My Dream For Students 500+ Words Essay on Mahatma Gandhi in English

Deforestation is a global crisis that demands our immediate attention and collective action. The consequences of our actions today will echo through generations to come, shaping the very future of our planet. It is our responsibility to serve as stewards of these vital ecosystems, ensuring that the majestic forests that grace our world are preserved for the benefit of all life.

By addressing the underlying drivers of deforestation, implementing sustainable land management practices, empowering local communities, and fostering global cooperation, we can begin to reverse the tide of destruction. It is a daunting task, but one that is essential for the survival of countless species, the preservation of invaluable cultural heritage, and the maintenance of the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth.

The time to act is now. Let us embrace the challenge with unwavering determination, recognizing that the fate of our forests, and ultimately our own fate, is inextricably intertwined. Together, we can forge a path towards a greener, more sustainable future, where the majestic canopies of our forests continue to flourish, providing sanctuary, sustenance, and hope for generations to come.

Essay on Deforestation- FAQs

What is deforestation in a paragraph.

Deforestation is the deliberate clearing of wooded areas. Throughout history and into the present, woods have been cleared to create way for agriculture and animal grazing, as well as to obtain wood for fuel, manufacture, and construction.

How do you write an introduction to deforestation?

Deforestation is gradually becoming one of the most serious environmental issues in the world. Humans frequently deforest for land development, roads, and railroads, as well as for economic reasons. Every year, almost eighteen million acres of forest are lost, having severe consequences.

Why deforestation is a problem?

The loss of trees and other vegetation can lead to climate change, desertification, soil erosion, less harvests, flooding, higher greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, and a variety of other issues for Indigenous people. Deforestation happens for a variety of reasons.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

  • Essay Writing
  • school blogs
  • School English

advertisewithusBannerImg

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

 alt=

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes Essay

Deforestation is defined as a severe environmental problem that leads to a considerable decrease in forest area, affecting climate worldwide. The process of deforestation can be justified as a possibility to meet the needs of the population, including feeding or manufacturing. However, when millions of hectares of forest are lost annually, deforestation becomes a global concern with the necessity to find a solution.

Many man-stimulated factors can be the causes of deforestation, from agricultural expansion and timber harvesting to increased crop production. All of the arguments that stand in favor of continuing acts, which contribute to deforestation are rooted in pursuing an economic advantage. Palm oil is in high demand in many Asian and African countries, harvesting timber creates new land for roads, buildings, and commodities for people, and soybean cultivation promotes positive financial outcomes in many countries worldwide. Exporting naturally found resources becomes an easy profit for numerous countries.

Improving socio-economic conditions becomes attainable through the exploitation of natural resources. Evident benefits include the creation of working places and new opportunities, which, however, are inevitably conjoined to the processes’ disadvantages like climate change and unexpected natural disasters. Regarding a variety of economic prospects, people must realize the level of harm produced to plants, animals, and wildlife in the process of material extraction.

This topic lies beyond simple economics and even touches upon ethics, morals, and self-accountability. Humans are the prime cause of deforestation, and it is their responsibility to find a solution by implementing new strategies, using technologies, and gaining control via certification and law.

Soy Moratorium, abbreviated SoyM, is a governance agreement enacted in July 2006 and supported by local Brazilian sellers to stop the progress of deforestation, control the process of soy production, and not buy products from deforested land. Selective logging is one of the possible operations that is frequently used by modern landowners and aims at cutting countless trees. Blockchain is a recent digital technology that aims at recording various forms of transactions and linking them with the help of cryptography, including the possibility to control land documentation.

The problem of deforestation touches upon many countries around the whole world and causes a significant loss of rainforests because of the required agricultural expansion. There are immense plantations of oil palms in Southeast Asian regions, meaning that much land with rainforests has to be cleared to support the idea of palm oil cultivation. This type of vegetable oil can be used in the production of different cosmetics products, cleaning agents, and other household stuff.

Rachel Fritts, the author of the article “A New Study Reveals Global Drivers of Deforestation” published in Pacific Standard 17 September 2018, admits that “large-scale conversion of forest for agricultural land to grow commodity crops like oil palm and rubber tends to be more ecologically damaging” compared to logging, earthquake, or wildfire.

The citizens of Malaysia and Indonesia are the primary producers and suppliers of oil palm goods. Therefore, it is not a surprise to find out that many local companies frequently destroy trees and find out new natural resources to promote business and earn profits. Being a recognizable tropical vegetable oil, palm oil plantations turn out to be an important driver of deforestation.

The expansion of agriculture may have both positive and negative outcomes for society, and timber harvesting is one of the factors that have similar characteristics. Harvesting timber affects the environment in a variety of ways, including poor air quality, unpredictable climate change, and severe weather conditions. Natural disasters frequently occur, destroying houses, plants, and other subjects that are important for human living.

The investigations by Victor Baron, Alain Rival, and Raphael Marichal that was published in The Conversation 8 June 2017 stated that legal or illegal forest exploitation for timber led to the fact that “deforested areas are not immediately or automatically regrown, and as a result, Indonesia alone harbors more than 50 million hectares of degraded forest land” .

The absence of trees weakens nature and makes it vulnerable to many outside factors. Mathematical calculations may not be necessary here, and this information can be converted into rather simple but meaningful words: the more trees are cut down, the more dangerous consequences should be expected. The decision to harvest timber influences the conditions and the composition of the forest and its financial profits become attractive to several landowners. Furthermore, the act of harvesting timber will affect the next forest as well.

The increased production of soybeans cannot be ignored as one of the main causes of deforestation globally. The concern relates to the qualities of this product. Soybeans are the direct source of protein and nitrogen fertilizer. Soybeans are used to feed cows, chickens, and pigs, and the demand for meat increases the demand for soybean products. In this case, the connection is clear and cannot be misunderstood.

People want to eat cheap meat and do not pay special attention to the conditions and resources spent on animal breeding. The representatives of the livestock industry choose the methods that are most appropriate for their work, and soybeans are still one of the cheapest options. Landowners find it profitable to promote soybean production without considering the outcomes they provoke.

Several attempts were taken by the government bodies to control the production of soybean and report on the price changes, but the results did not demonstrate considerable changes. According to the report of Trump that is presented by Meg Kelly in the article “Both Sides of the Aisle Stretch the Truth in the Soybean Debate” published in Washington Post 13 August 2018, the prices on soybeans have not dropped fifty percent during the last several years with “soybeans peaked at $13.40 per bushel” in 2011 and “soybeans cost $9.55 per bushel” in 2018.

Such high prices and their annual stability do not motivate farmers and sellers to pay attention to another source of financial profits. The elimination of rainforests and unwillingness to search for new options create problems for environmentalists and researchers whose intentions include the necessity to reduce the number of deforested areas. The connection between human needs and soybean-driven deforestation is evident.

Finally, soybean production and deforestation problems are associated with poorly developed governmental control. It means that despite the actual picture connected to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and timber harvest, effective steps to solve the problem are not enough either for the whole globe or for a particular region. Deforestation is a complex problem with no definite solution to be offered to the global population. Unfortunately, even the most experienced professionals are not ready always to answer and offer an alternative.

In the article “New Report Documents Soy-Linked Deforestation in Argentina and Paraguay” that was published in Feed Navigator in 2018, Jane Byrne admitted that “controlling it will require government, industry, farmers, local communities and civil society to develop new systems”. The problem is the inability to comprehend the essence of soybean cultivation and introduce effective ways of how to connect all the bodies that may be involved in soybean production and deforestation prediction.

The implementation of SoyM by non-governmental facilities shows that some options exist for landowners and users in the modern world. The expected requirement is to take a step and not to be afraid to change something regardless of the already established norms and rules.

Many local organizations and people who believe that the loss of trees can lead to serious environmental changes frequently discuss deforestation. Indonesia and many Southeastern Asian countries face a serious ecological issue because of a considerable number of trees continuing to disappear. Palm oil production is blamed for these changes and new tensions between the necessity to preserve nature and the obligation to succeed in agricultural expansion occur. The economic development of the South cannot be ignored, and people cannot stop working in the chosen agricultural industry.

Farmers are ready to destroy indigenous rainforests for the sake of palm oil plantations. In the article “Effect of Oil Palm Sustainability Certification on Deforestation and Fire in Indonesia” published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2018, Kimberly M. Carlson, Robert Heilmayr, Holly K. Gibbs, Praveen Noojipady, David N. Burns, Douglas C. Morton, Nathalie F. Walker, Gary D. Paoli, and Claire Kremen admitted that “palm oil producers current have few incentives to expand the area of forest under their control” (P 126). People do not make corporate decisions but focus on their independent profits and development.

Timber harvesting remains a grave cause of environmental degradation in many countries. At the same time, it is necessary to admit that people are those who are responsible for the development of this problem and the promotion of new challenges. Greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem, and climate change are the outcomes of timber harvesting. There is a thought that people can support sustainable timber when these activities do not create any harm to nature.

Jaclyn Fitzgerald in the article “What Is Sustainable Timber?” posted in HI Pages 14 September 2018 explained that “when one tree is cut down for use, another is immediately planted to replace it”. However, it is hard to find enough evidence to prove the absence of negative effects even if sustainable timber is used. Environmentalists and observers state that when trees are cut down, these activities interfere with an ordinary state of affairs and change the living conditions of local animals and plants. The protection of air, water, and wildlife cannot be ignored because, if people do not respect nature, one day nature may begin to disrespect humans.

The specified problem could be avoided by assessing the properties of every forest individually and deciding what areas can be used for harvesting timber. The proposed solution implies the evaluation of the sustainability of the forest, its current condition, and the health thereof to ensure that the negative impact will be reduced to its bare minimum.

However, the specified technique can hardly be seen as viable due to the difficulties associated with the assessment of a forest’s maturity, evaluating the possible impact of the timber harvesting process, and the tools for managing possible negative consequences. Even with the introduction of the specified methods of handling the outcomes of timber harvesting, the damage that forests will suffer will be devastating, and the resources that forests will lose will not be replenished. Change in the current approach to handling the issue of deforestation is needed urgently.

Humans should never forget about their responsibilities to protect nature and improve the conditions they create when they want to use the land for a living. Many universal rights are broken because of the necessity to achieve certain economic and financial benefits. Soybean production is a good chance for farmers to feed their animals and save their money and for landowners to earn from their properties. Some supermarkets and suppliers believe that the presence of deforestation-free products is a step forward to reduce the number of negative effects of deforestation and soybean as its indirect cause.

In the article “Blinding Consumers to the True Cost of Soy?” published in Forests News October 2018, O’Connell explained that “two to four percent of global soy production is certified as responsible”, and consumers stay concerned if they are always able to find products which are emission- or deforestation-free. Many people do not even guess how much soybean production they use daily. Therefore, this concern is usually treated as a hidden commodity that can be found in food, including chocolate or sausages, or cosmetics, including soap and shampoos.

In the modern world, people are obsessed with the idea of controlling everything. In the majority of cases, they do not think about their possibilities or obligations, just about the outcomes they want to achieve. The necessity to control environmental problems is one of the responsibilities that cannot be neglected. The governmental and certified environmentalists are close to the promotion of effective ideas. For example, the concern of deforestation because of the lack of governmental control was addressed in Brazil in 2006.

According to Jude H. Kastens, J. Christopher Brown, Alexandre Camargo Coutinho, Christopher R. Bishop, and Júlio César D. M. Esquerdo, the authors of the article “Soy Moratorium Impacts on Soybean and Deforestation Dynamics in Mato Grosso, Brazil” published April 2017 in PLOS ONE, SoyM was a helpful policy that aimed to “eliminate the incentive to eventually use newly deforested lands for soybean production” (P 17).

This document has an impact on a general attitude towards the problem of deforestation because of soybean production. Still, the government gives no guarantees to society that sellers or farmers try or want to search for new options to continue developing their business. This kind of reaction indicates the disinterest in achieving ecological means of production, maybe due to their perceived economic inefficiency or because of a feeling of contentment with the current state of events.

The resolution of the current environmental crisis based on deforestation and agricultural expansion is not an easy task. As elaborated by Baron et al., “local communities and small farmers are the source of the majority of fires because they do not have the same means as agro-industries to get access to the land”.

This quote suggests that ecological disasters caused by destructive acts such as cutting down or burning trees are caused by a lack of tools and an uneducated approach to production. To change any of this, it is necessary to take serious action on a high level and even involve people from different countries. Therefore, it is not enough to stop palm oil production in Asian countries but to dig deeper and discover which countries are the main users of this type of oil. This route of action allows addressing not the effect but the cause of the issue, thus attempting to remove the root of the problem, rather than its effects.

Governmental control is the necessary improvement to reduce the number of activities were cutting down of trees is welcomed. Strategic management is a step with which the reduction of palm oil production begins. Even though societies have several specific laws and policies that regulate their trade and manufacturing relationships, the lack of strategies and clear examples prevent the population from understanding the problem.

The solution is to create a guide according to which farmers, landowners, and sellers should work. These plans include enough statistical information to prove the correctness of the chosen direction, the presence of certain profits, and evidence of being sustainable doers of action. When people refuse to use the products of organizations that break the law, deforested palm oil production will be decreased.

Timber harvesting is another problem with no effective solution being developed in Asian and African countries. When many trees are destroyed because of the necessity to gather timber, it is hard to make calculations and recognize the effects of activities. Documentation and credible records are required to obtain the necessary control. In the world of current progress and technological advance, there is a chance to find out technology and prove its appropriateness for the discussion of deforestation concern. A blockchain is the solution when all records about land use are unalterably available and easily traced.

Samantha Radocchia, the author of the article “How Deforestation and Timber Issues Can Be Battled with Blockchain” published in Forbes 15 May 2018, defined a blockchain as the technology that aims to “provide more accurate records, increase transparency into timber supply chains, and incentivize better behavior from participants in the logging industry”. This approach is effective for controlling the demand for palm oil, deforested areas, and concomitant products. Its peculiar feature is that some sellers or farmers remain unaware of this recording system but can be legally punished because of breaking the established norms.

The combination of the specified tools is expected to increase the chances of reducing the current levels of deforestation. Particularly, with the introduction of Blockchain technology into the process of managing economic transactions within the Brazilian market, one can create the tools for addressing the problem of deforestation on the level of resource usage. As a result, the timber supply chain management and the related processes will become visible to the state government, which will allow controlling them more rigid and preventing the instances of illegal timbers. This kind of visibility provides regulatory forces with direct access to evidence of malpractice, permitting them to take quicker action and making information accessible on a more extensive, even higher than the national level.

Furthermore, the specified technology provides a chain of custody for the timber materials that appear within the supply chain and are transported within it. The specified solution will allow establishing control over the issue of deforestation, which is currently growing out of proportion on a global level.

In the face of existing efforts to solve the problem of deforestation, soybean production remains a concern that bothers millions of people around the globe. The decision to focus on yield increase instead of land expansion is made. The investigation developed by Verena Fehlenberga, Matthias Baumanna, Nestor Ignacio Gasparrib, Maria Piquer-Rodrigueza, Gregorio Gavier-Pizarrod, and Tobias Kuemmerlea that presented in the article “The Role of Soybean Production as an Underlying Driver of Deforestation in the South American Chaco” in Global Environmental Change 2017, “soybean area and soybean yield were both positively related to deforestation” (P 29).

The essence of the cattle industry and deforestation has already been changed and proved as a serious threat to the ecosystem, and it is time to think about how to replace negative outcomes with positive alternatives. People must observe new options and understand their role in changing the environment. Although it is impossible to stop using soybean products, there is a chance to change the approach to cultivation and expansion. Soyo is not the last achievement that can be made in the field, and it is the responsibility of humans to discover another way of treating nature.

Finally, the role of the government in controlling soybean production and deforestation activities has to be improved. Economic and environmental changes influence the quality of human life, and society should understand the direct and indirect impacts of their actions and solutions. A government, as a reflection of its people, should presumably be demonstrative of society-wide ecological consciousness, resulting in a joint effort to battle man-caused natural disasters.

Radocchia further confirms this by elaborating that “solving the deforestation crisis is going to take willpower from everyone involved—consumers, governments and business interests”. The creation of new movements is a solution that does not cost a thing to an ordinary person. Regular open meetings and the discussion of problems may contribute to the further development of the relationships between a human and nature. Governmental bodies, in their turn, promote the creation of new laws and certificates to measure trade relationships between farmers and sellers. Questions like who chooses the land for deforestation, or why land protection does not work, as it should exist.

The use of actual data, the introduction of credible statistics, and the development of public questionnaires or interviews are the steps that are not hard to take. The results obtained from such research methods may change public opinions. It is the goal that has to be achieved at this moment of investigation when people understand that deforestation has both direct and indirect causes, the majority of which is hardly recognized.

In general, deforestation remains a significant environmental problem that requires multiple approaches for its solution. The progress of society through the use of new technologies, strategies, and operations cannot be neglected, but its impact on the environment and natural sources remains unpredictable and usually negative. The destruction of trees cannot be avoided when people contribute to manufacturing, researching, or food production.

However, when much land is deforested because of these needs, it becomes an inevitable global concern with many factors, including palm oil plantations, timber harvesting, and soybean production, causing deforestation. Deforestation because of palm oil may be controlled in case-specific strategic steps are taken. Management of human and natural resources is a significant step in solving the problem of cutting trees. Timber harvesting can be recorded to identify its impact on forests, and a blockchain is a solution for this case. It is recommended to focus on soybean yield instead of simple land expansion.

The role of the government and the development of new policies to regulate human behaviors and trade relationships should be elaborated. Deforestation is characterized by advantages such as working places, and thus people continue supporting it, not recognizing the truth that their actions change the climate and lead to natural disasters. Humans should take responsibility for every made decision to destroy a tree. A reverse action like planting a new one is not enough, and such steps as certification, new technologies, and strategies help achieve the desired results.

Works Cited

Baron, Victor et al. “ No, palm oil is not responsible for 40% of global deforestation ,” The Conversation. 2017. Web.

Byrne, Jane. “ New Report Documents Soy-Linked Deforestation in Argentina and Paraguay, ” Feed Navigator. 2018. Web.

Carlson, Kimberly M., et al. “Effect of Oil Palm Sustainability Certification on Deforestation and Fire in Indonesia,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2018, Vol. 115, No. 1: 121-126.

Fehlenberg, Verena, et al. “The Role of Soybean Production as an Underlying Driver of Deforestation in the South American Chaco,” Global Environmental Change 2017, No. 45: 24-34.

Fitzgerald, Jaclyn. “ What Is Sustainable Timber? ” HI Pages. 2018. Web.

Fritts, Rachel. “ A New Study Reveals Global Drivers of Deforestation ,” Pacific Standard. 2018. Web.

Kastens, Jude H., et al. “Soy Moratorium Impacts on Soybean and Deforestation Dynamics in Mato Grosso, Brazil,” PLOS ONE 2017, Vol. 12, No. 4: 1-21.

Kelly, Meg. “ Both Sides of the Aisle Stretch the Truth in the Soybean Debate ,” Washington Post. 2018. Web.

O’Connell, Erin. “ Blinding Consumers to the True Cost of Soy? ” Forests News. 2018. Web.

Radocchia, Samantha. “ How Deforestation and Timber Issues Can Be Battled with Blockchain ,” Forbes. 2018. Web.

  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, August 23). Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes. https://ivypanda.com/essays/deforestation-and-its-man-made-causes/

"Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes." IvyPanda , 23 Aug. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/deforestation-and-its-man-made-causes/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes'. 23 August.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes." August 23, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/deforestation-and-its-man-made-causes/.

1. IvyPanda . "Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes." August 23, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/deforestation-and-its-man-made-causes/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes." August 23, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/deforestation-and-its-man-made-causes/.

  • Soybean and Deforestation in the United States
  • A Report on Commodity Markets of Soybeans
  • Soybean: Physiological Traits, Management, Main Disease
  • Deforestation Problem
  • International Trade Impact on the Amazon Region Environment
  • Environmental Studies: Brazilian Amazon
  • Joe Biden’s Inaction on the Need to Eliminate Existing Tariffs
  • How Biofuels Impact the Food Industry
  • Researching and Analysis of Nutrients
  • Environmental Studies: Saving Endangered Species
  • Fish Farming Impacts on the Environment
  • Environment and Human Attitude Towards It
  • "Heat" Environmental Documentary by PBS
  • Episode 2 of "Strange Days on Planet Earth" Series
  • "The Great Climate Experiment" by Ken Caldeira

Essay on Deforestation

Deforestation is cutting down a large number of trees and clearing out forest areas. The various reasons behind these human activities are increasing the space for human usage like logging or wood extraction, agricultural expansion, infrastructure expansion etc. Deforestation is harmful to the environment because it causes a lot of carbon emissions and alters the natural ecosystem. It also contributes to global warming and climate change because plants release the stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide when they are cutting down. The deforestation essay urges us to learn the causes, effects and preventive measures of deforestation.

Deforestation is a severe problem, and we must stop cutting down precious trees. Trees are destroyed to make way for urban development and the cultivation of crops. To expand the land area and construct buildings, production houses and manufacturing plants, we are cutting down trees, and the government is trying its best to avoid deforestation. The process of deforestation also increases the atmospheric level of carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change on the planet. Once the kids have understood the causes and effects of this issue, you can engage them in writing an essay on deforestation by referring to BYJU’S deforestation essay pdf.

Table of Contents

Causes of deforestation, effects of deforestation, preventive measures to avoid deforestation.

Deforestation is a global phenomenon, and one of the leading causes of deforestation is the expansion of cities. People want to live in cities, but they often don’t realise how dangerous this can be to the environment and contributes to environmental pollution . Let us learn the causes that have led to deforestation and destroying the planet by reading the deforestation essay in English.

Other causes of deforestation are urbanisation, farming and a massive population explosion at a global level. As the population increases at a tremendous rate, the space for people to live is shrinking. Hence, people destroy forests to create living space, roads and excellent infrastructure.

As our wants and greed have increased, it has destroyed the environment. Mining is one of the main causes of deforestation and is destroying mother Earth . Another cause of deforestation is wood harvesting or logging for domestic fuel (charcoal).

As we have learned about the causes of deforestation, let us move on to the next segment – the effects of deforestation by reading the deforestation effects essay.

Deforestation has had many adverse effects on the planet. Significant effects of deforestation are climate change, soil erosion, global warming , wildlife extinction and underground water depletion. Besides, there are other consequences such as flooding, shrinking wildlife habitats, and reduced water quality. The essay on deforestation explains the negative effects of deforestation on the Earth.

The decrease in trees and vegetation can lead to an increase in the emission of greenhouse gases and other forms of pollution . Moreover, trees are essential and provide habitats for countless species, and they lose their habitats because of these human activities. They also store large amounts of carbon that can be used as a renewable energy source. When forests are destroyed, carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and global warming.

After learning about the adverse effects of deforestation by reading BYJU’S deforestation effects essay , let us move on to learn how to prevent deforestation.

To maintain the ecological balance, we need to take preventative measures to avoid deforestation. Deforestation can be eradicated by taking the necessary steps to save Earth . The government has to take strict action against deforestation and encourage people to plant more trees. This certainly helps in resolving the after-effects of the loss of trees. In addition, we can start growing plants at home and help our environment heal from the loss of trees and forests .

To conclude, deforestation is a major concern. Hence, we all must join hands in eradicating this issue and help our planet retain its ability to thrive. Provide the little ones with a deforestation essay pdf, and for more kids learning activities, visit BYJU’S website.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

causes of deforestation essay

  • Share Share

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Student Essays

Essays-Paragraphs-Speeches

Essay on Deforestation For Students | Causes & Effects of Cutting Trees

Leave a Comment

A detailed essay and Paragraph on deforestation causes, effects and possible solutions with quotes and images for children and students of primary, High school and college level students in English

List of Topics

Essay on Deforestation; Causes, Impacts & Solution

Causes of deforestation.

There are many causes of deforestation, the main causes behind it are urbanization, industrialization, globalization, climate change and overpopulation.

In rural areas till today people cut down trees and use as firewood. Due to overgrowth and increasing population the forests and trees being cut and woodland has been used for growing crops to fulfill the needs of overpopulation.

The demand of food and shelter from forests have increased due to over population which leave negative impacts on forests. Large areas of forests are cleared away for the sake of construction purpose and for establishing factories and industries.

Impacts of Deforestation

Deforestation is very dangerous for environment, hence trees absorb carbon present in atmosphere, excess of carbon in environment cause global warming. When we cut down trees we not only stop the supply of oxygen into environment but when trees are burned down excessive amount of carbon stored within trees is added to our environment which is very harmful gas.

Only trees can help reduce the level of greenhouse effect. Absence of trees in environment has caused global warming which is a immediate threat to ecosystem.

Related Post: Winter Seasons | Causes & Impacts

Trees purify and cleanse the impurities of air and provide oxygen which is basic source of survival of all living forms on earth. Unfortunately due to lack of trees and forests our air is entirely polluted, the level of oxygen in air has decreased significantly.

Due to burning of wood of forests too much carbon is released into environment which is a harmful gas and contribute more in greenhouse effect. Trees anchor and support soil, due to deforestation the soil is eroded away in monsoon season. The nutrients of soil are washed away due to heavy rains which make soil incapable of producing quality crops. Infertility of soil is caused by deforestation.

The biodiversity is badly affected, many animals and plants have become extinct due to deforestation. Many species of birds, animals and plants seem vulnerable, if it continues to exist both flora and fauna will undergo an unfavorable change.

The abnormal floods and droughts are caused by deforestation, without trees the normal flow of water is disrupted which bring abnormal floods.

Solution; Ways to Stop deforestation

The number of trees on the surface of earth have decreased to an unimaginable extent, we all must plant new trees to Save our environment. We should enforce afforestation and spread awareness among people to stop burning forests and cutting trees.

The reverse the whole process of deforestation, the authorities concerned must formulate and enact new laws fight against perpetrators who have mercilessly bared land and have destroyed forests. Government must help protect the sanctuaries of wildlife.

The Plantation of new trees in cities and rural areas is the call of the hour because our air is miserably polluted which has caused many respiratory diseases and disorders. The forests are not provided proper water, there is need of water management so that all trees get water and grow well.

Related Post: Save Trees & its Importance in Life

Use less paper at home, school and offices. Paper is produced from trees, don’t waste paper, save paper to save trees. Recycle and reduce the use of wooden products. Practice co-forestry products and save trees of your surroundings. Use sustainable wood products to help save trees.

Support all organizations which are fighting to save trees and forests. Let’s stand United in order to stop deforestation and educate our new generations to save trees.

Trees are the beauty of our mother earth. We should pull along all the resources to stop deforestation and make our earth a greener place to live upon

Related Posts:

Paragraph on Save Trees

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Study Paragraphs

Causes Of Deforestation Essay In 250 Words For Students

Read this great informational short essay on the topic “causes of deforestation.” This essay is very useful for all students, especially kids.

I hope you will find the latest and valuable information about your topic. If you find the best one, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

Table of Contents

Essay On Causes Of Deforestation For Children And Students

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); five major causes of deforestation.

1. The first major cause of deforestation is agricultural development, or the clearing of land to make way for fields, pastures, and other forms of agriculture. In developing countries like Brazil and Indonesia, large parts of the forest have been destroyed because farmers want more space for their crops. Another problem is that in some countries, such as Russia and Canada, they are clearing their forests to sell the wood for a profit.

2. Logging is the second major cause of deforestation. Many trees around the world provide their wood as a valuable resource. To take advantage of this resource, companies can cut down entire forests and sell the wood for a huge profit. This is particularly bad for countries like Mexico, which have already lost a large part of their forests and are heavily dependent on logging to feed themselves economically.

3. One reason for the ongoing deforestation is that many people believe that when trees are felled, they go unnoticed. It takes about 40-50 years for the Amazon rainforest to produce new growth. After deforestation, it is very difficult to grow a new forest in this area, as only certain types of vegetation grow in an area without trees ; however, most farmers do not realize this when they cut down.

4. Another problem is that many people who are aware of the long-term effects of deforestation are unable to make an impact. There are some international organizations like “Greenpeace” that fight for environmental protection; However, these groups cannot be found in every country that practices deforestation.

5. Deforestation is a problem that rapidly affects all countries across the world, especially in the most populated countries like India, China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Each country must do its part to prevent it from continuing. Fortunately, some steps can be taken now to prevent deforestation from continuing at its current pace.

Deforestation is a serious problem that requires immediate attention to ensure that future generations can see the same natural beauty as we do today.

In developing countries like Russia and Brazil, economic development through less destructive methods such as recycling and using renewable resources can be the key to preserving their forests for future generations.

More prosperous countries like Canada and the United States need tougher conservation laws that protect large areas of the forest to prevent deforestation from continuing at its current pace.

Paragraph Writing

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

Related Posts:

Paragraph about affects of Deforestation

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Subscriber-only Newsletter

Climate Forward

The missing $1 trillion.

It’s still unclear how the world will pay for developing nations to fight climate change.

A wall with a green background and white letters.

By David Gelles and Manuela Andreoni

For the past two years, world leaders, economists and activists have called for sweeping overhauls to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund that would make the two lending institutions more adept at combating climate change.

Discussions about how to reform lumbering multilateral bureaucracies can get tedious quickly. But ultimately the debates are all about money. How to make more money available for developing nations that are being battered by extreme weather? And how to make sure poor countries don’t spend too much money servicing their debt?

Experts estimate that at least $1 trillion a year is needed to help developing countries adapt to hotter temperatures and rising seas, build out clean energy projects and cope with climate disasters.

“For many countries, they will only be able to implement strong new climate plans if we see a quantum leap in climate finance this year,” Simon Stiell, the United Nations climate chief, said in a speech last week.

Starting in 2022, a burst of activity had made the prospect of such a quantum leap seem within reach.

Policymakers and economists gathered in Barbados and hashed out an ambitious reform agenda. The president of the World Bank stepped down after coming under fire for not doing enough to address climate change, and was replaced by an executive who promised to embrace climate work. Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, hosted a summit aimed at building momentum for the work.

But at the annual spring meetings of the World Bank and the I.M.F., which are taking place in Washington this week, reality is setting in.

While more money has become available to address climate issues over the last year or so, the sweeping reforms many had envisioned are proving to be out of reach.

Some of that is a process problem. Overhauling 80-year-old international institutions with complicated governance structures and tens of thousands of employees is no small task.

But much of the challenge comes back to money. So far, the countries that control the World Bank — including the United States, Germany, China and Japan — have not allocated huge new sums for climate issues in the developing world, and the private sector has not stepped in to fill the gap.

“The numbers do not show the kind of progress that we really need,” said Rachel Kyte, a visiting professor at Oxford and former World Bank executive. “We’ve got to get a little bit more radical.”

Those calling for reform argue that if only the World Bank took a bit more risk, private sector investors would come off the sidelines with hundreds of billions of dollars in investments for climate efforts in poor countries.

The World Bank has made some meaningful changes during its first year under Ajay Banga, its new president. It is approving loans to developing countries faster, has streamlined the lending process, is offering lower interest rates and has begun lending more money without raising new funds from shareholders.

The bank is also working to raise $100 billion from rich countries and the financial industry, money that it can use to fund projects in the world’s poorest nations.

But even with those changes, that hoped-for wave of private capital has failed to materialize. Banks and institutional investors remain wary of spending too much money on climate projects in the developing world.

Instead, rich countries continue to see an increase in climate investments, while many poorer countries are missing out.

“There’s more financing going into renewable energy in developed markets, but it’s not going into emerging markets and developing economies,” Kyte said. “That’s the big problem.”

Nearly as important as making more money available for climate investment is finding ways to unburden poor countries from crushing loads of debt.

This year, developing countries will spend over $400 billion to service their debts, the highest sum they have paid in at least two decades . And there are no signs that wide-scale debt relief is being considered at the spring meetings this week.

As is the case at the World Bank, incremental changes are afoot at the I.M.F. The organization is considering incorporating climate and development goals when assessing countries’ debt repayment plans. Such a move could help deeply indebted nations negotiate better terms and spend more money on climate investments rather than interest payments.

But on the whole, there is still a yawning gap between the mammoth investments that experts say are necessary and the money that is being put on the table.

“We’ve succeeded in converging people around the scale of the problem,” said Avinash Persaud, the special adviser on climate change at the Inter-American Development Bank, and one of the leaders of the reform movement. “Now people are looking for the big solutions to fit that scale. The multilateral development banks have to play a key role, but we can’t do it alone.”

A drought is pushing millions into hunger in southern Africa. What’s behind it?

My colleague Somini Sengupta and I reported today that an estimated 20 million people across six countries in southern Africa are facing what the United Nations calls “acute hunger,” as one of the worst droughts in more than four decades shrivels crops and decimates livestock.

But did man-made climate change cause this drought? The answer is a bit complicated. Let me explain why.

A group of scientists who looked into the causes of the drought that has affected parts of the region reported this week that they couldn’t find any links to climate change. The analysis by World Weather Attribution , a group that specializes in the rapid analysis of weather-related disasters, found that the El Niño, a natural climate pattern, had made the drought twice as likely to happen.

But scientists from W.W.A. and other institutions acknowledged that man-made global warming could have also played a role. Droughts are a lot harder to attribute to global warming than heat waves, scientists say. That is particularly true in southern Africa, in part because reliable weather data there can be hard to come by.

“Considering the scarcity of the meteorological station network across the various countries of southern Africa helps us realize that what we may consider as ‘ground truth’ sometimes is just a statistical extrapolation of the nearest weather station (which may be many kilometers away),” Maria Chara Karypidou, a postdoctoral researcher at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece who studies the region but wasn’t part of the study, wrote to me.

Deforestation may also have a greater impact that we realize. A study published in the journal Nature last year showed how deforestation in the tropics caused large declines in rainfall between 2003 and 2017. But better understanding the role of deforestation in specific events would also require more precipitation data.

It’s clear that climate change will make life a lot harder in this part of the world, but pinpointing the causes of an extreme weather event is increasingly important as lawsuits and bills seek to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the damage caused by climate change.

Still, droughts are a part of the natural cycle, too, and it could well be that humans had nothing to do with this one. That doesn’t mean that we can’t better prepare for them, said Maja Vahlberg, a consultant for the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, and one of the authors of the study. “The impacts on food security and livelihoods show that people are vulnerable to shifts in rainfall,” she said, “regardless of the causes.” — Manuela Andreoni

More climate news

A new study estimates that climate change will cost $38 trillion a year by 2049 , The Associated Press reports.

Nearly 600 fast-charging stations were switched on for U.S. drivers in the first three months of the year, Bloomberg reports . That’s one for every 15 gas stations.

Former President Donald Trump railed against renewable power at a fund-raising dinner last week, saying, “I hate wind,” The Washington Post reports .

The global wind industry hit a record for new installations last year, according to a report reviewed by Reuters .

The journal Nature looked at lawsuits that led governments to strengthen their climate policies .

Thanks for being a subscriber.

Read past editions of the newsletter here .

If you’re enjoying what you’re reading, please consider recommending it to others. They can sign up here . Browse all of our subscriber-only newsletters here . And follow The New York Times on Instagram , Threads , Facebook and TikTok at @nytimes.

Reach us at [email protected] . We read every message, and reply to many!

David Gelles reports on climate change and leads The Times’s Climate Forward newsletter and events series . More about David Gelles

Manuela Andreoni is a Times climate and environmental reporter and a writer for the Climate Forward newsletter. More about Manuela Andreoni

Learn More About Climate Change

Have questions about climate change? Our F.A.Q. will tackle your climate questions, big and small .

Paris is becoming a city of bikes. Across China, people are snapping up $5,000 electric cars. Here’s a look at a few bright spots  for emission reductions.

In theory, online shopping can be more efficient  than driving to the store. But you may still want to think before you add to cart.

“Buying Time,” a new series from The New York Times, looks at the risky ways  humans are starting to manipulate nature  to fight climate change.

Big brands like Procter & Gamble and Nestlé say a new generation of recycling plants will help them meet environmental goals, but the technology is struggling to deliver .

Did you know the ♻ symbol doesn’t mean something is actually recyclable ? Read on about how we got here, and what can be done.

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

  • View all journals
  • My Account Login
  • Explore content
  • About the journal
  • Publish with us
  • Sign up for alerts
  • Open access
  • Published: 22 April 2024

Selective deforestation and exposure of African wildlife to bat-borne viruses

  • Pawel Fedurek 1 , 2   na1 ,
  • Caroline Asiimwe 2   na1 ,
  • Gregory K. Rice 3 , 4 ,
  • Walter J. Akankwasa 2 ,
  • Vernon Reynolds 2 , 5 ,
  • Catherine Hobaiter   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-3893-0524 2 , 6 ,
  • Robert Kityo 7 ,
  • Geoffrey Muhanguzi 2 ,
  • Klaus Zuberbühler 2 , 6 , 8 ,
  • Catherine Crockford 9 , 10 ,
  • Regina Z. Cer 3 ,
  • Andrew J. Bennett 3 , 4 ,
  • Jessica M. Rothman 11 ,
  • Kimberly A. Bishop-Lilly   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5744-8493 3 &
  • Tony L. Goldberg   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3962-4913 12  

Communications Biology volume  7 , Article number:  470 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

57 Altmetric

Metrics details

  • Ecological epidemiology
  • Viral infection

Proposed mechanisms of zoonotic virus spillover often posit that wildlife transmission and amplification precede human outbreaks. Between 2006 and 2012, the palm Raphia farinifera , a rich source of dietary minerals for wildlife, was nearly extirpated from Budongo Forest, Uganda. Since then, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, and red duiker were observed feeding on bat guano, a behavior not previously observed. Here we show that guano consumption may be a response to dietary mineral scarcity and may expose wildlife to bat-borne viruses. Videos from 2017–2019 recorded 839 instances of guano consumption by the aforementioned species. Nutritional analysis of the guano revealed high concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Metagenomic analyses of the guano identified 27 eukaryotic viruses, including a novel betacoronavirus. Our findings illustrate how “upstream” drivers such as socioeconomics and resource extraction can initiate elaborate chains of causation, ultimately increasing virus spillover risk.

Similar content being viewed by others

causes of deforestation essay

Higher convergence of human-great ape enteric eukaryotic viromes in central African forest than in a European zoo: a One Health analysis

Victor Narat, Maud Salmona, … Tamara Giles-Vernick

causes of deforestation essay

Land-use change and the livestock revolution increase the risk of zoonotic coronavirus transmission from rhinolophid bats

Maria Cristina Rulli, Paolo D’Odorico, … David T. S. Hayman

causes of deforestation essay

Pathogen spillover driven by rapid changes in bat ecology

Peggy Eby, Alison J. Peel, … Raina K. Plowright

Introduction

Spillover of viruses from wildlife to humans is often thought to be preceded by viral transmission and amplification among wildlife. For example, human ebolavirus outbreaks in Africa follow sylvatic transmission cycles in non-human primates and ungulates, with humans likely becoming infected through contact with carcasses 1 , 2 , 3 . Similarly, epidemiological data and analyses of inferred viral genomic recombination suggest that approximately half of human-infecting coronaviruses underwent transmission from wildlife reservoirs to humans through intermediary hosts 4 , 5 . Despite the high social and economic costs of zoonoses 6 , the mechanisms underlying such antecedent virus transmission within animals remain poorly understood.

Budongo Forest Reserve, western Uganda, contains approximately 482 km 2 of medium-altitude, semi-deciduous forest 7 and is located in the Albertine Rift, a region of exceptional biodiversity and endemism 8 . Until approximately 2008, the swamp forests of Budongo contained Raphia farinifera , a palm that, when decaying, provided a high-quality source of essential dietary minerals to wildlife 9 . Between 2006 and 2012, tobacco farming increased markedly in the area due to rising international demand and incentives from tobacco companies with longstanding operations in Uganda 10 . As a result, local farmers nearly extirpated R. farinifera because of its usefulness for making strings on which to dry tobacco leaves 9 , 11 . Budongo’s eastern chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii ) altered their feeding behavior in response to this loss of a primary source of dietary minerals, increasingly consuming alternative sources such as clay, termite mounds, and the decaying pith of other tree species 9 . In 2017, we observed a never-before documented behavior by several species of wildlife in Budongo, including chimpanzees: the consumption of bat guano.

Here we present the results of an investigation as to whether this behavior could be an adaptation to dietary mineral scarcity, analogous to what has been documented for similar behaviors at this site 9 . We also investigate whether guano consumption could be an ecological mechanism whereby wildlife such as chimpanzees might be exposed to bat-borne viruses. We document high frequencies of guano consumption by three species of wildlife in Budongo, high concentrations of essential dietary minerals in the guano, and diverse bat-borne viruses in the guano, including a novel betacoronavirus within the Hibecovirus subgenus. These results illustrate how remote upstream forces can induce unanticipated causal chains that alter wildlife ecology and behavior, one result of which may be to increase virus spillover risk.

Field studies

On June 25, 2017, we first observed chimpanzees consuming bat guano from under a large, hollow tree ( Mildbraediodendron excelsum ) in which a colony of Noack’s roundleaf bat ( Hipposideros ruber ) was roosting (Fig.  1 ). Using a trail camera, we captured video images of chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus ( Colobus guereza occidentalis ) and red duiker ( Cephalophus natalensis ) repeatedly consuming guano from beneath the tree (Fig.  1 ). Animals consumed the guano directly, and not incidentally (e.g. from consumption of adjacent contaminated clay and water), as evidenced by the clearly visible selection of the guano itself during all instances and the presence of excavations and characteristic hand prints in the guano after animals had left (Supplementary Fig.  1a ). We recorded 92 separate instances of guano consumption by chimpanzees on 71 different days, with between 1 and 13 chimpanzees per instance. Chimpanzees removed and ate guano with their hands (Fig.  1b , Supplementary Videos  1 and 2 ), or they drank adjacent water using a leaf sponge (folded leaves used to collect water 12 ; Supplementary Video  3 ). Cameras captured black-and-white colobus feeding on guano on 65 occasions during 56 different days, with between 1 and 9 individuals per instance. These primates ate guano directly (Fig.  1c ; Supplementary Video  4 ). Cameras captured solitary red duikers on 682 occasions on 210 different days. Duikers either licked guano directly or drank adjacent water next to the pile (Fig.  1d ; Supplementary Video  5 ). On one occasion, we observed a ~ 2 m human-modified pole, suggesting that local people had also visited this tree, perhaps to collect guano (Supplementary Fig.  1b ).

figure 1

Images of guano pile ( a , arrow) and chimpanzees ( b ) black-and-white colobus ( c ), and red duiker ( d ) consuming bat guano were captured using trail cameras between July 5th and October 18th 2017 and between September 14th 2018 and April 28th 2019.

Dietary mineral analyses

Nutritional analyses revealed that the guano contained concentrations of magnesium, phosphorus and potassium higher than in any other recorded dietary source of minerals at Budongo (Table  1 ). The guano also contained concentrations of sodium approximately equal to that of decaying Cleistopholis patens wood, the primary alternative source of dietary sodium for chimpanzees subsequent to the loss of R. farinifera 9 (Table  1 ). Concentrations of calcium, manganese and iron were within ranges of other sources at Budongo (Table  1 ).

Virus identification and characterization

Metagenomic analyses of the bat guano revealed 27 novel putative eukaryotic viruses with 30.2–92.7% amino acid identity to known viruses of 12 families ( Coronaviridae , Dicistroviridae , Hepeviridae , Iflaviridae , Nodaviridae , Parvoviridae , Picobirnaviridae , Picornaviridae , Permutotetraviridae , Polycipiviridae , Reoviridae and Totiviridae ) and to 7 currently unclassified viruses (Supplementary Table  1 ). Individual guano samples analyzed contained an average of 14.5 viruses (standard deviation 3.6) that varied in prevalence from 9 to 100% among samples and in abundance over approximately 4 orders of magnitude, with arthropod-infecting viruses generally most prevalent and most abundant, consistent with the insectivorous diet of H. ruber (Supplementary Fig.  2 ). Sequences corresponding to a novel betacoronavirus ( Coronaviridae : Betacoronavirus ) were present in 6 samples (55%) (Supplementary Fig.  2 ). Due to the public health significance of betacoronaviruses, we intensively sequenced this virus, Buhirugu virus 1 (BHRGV-1), using the sample with the most abundant reads (sample 9 in Supplementary Fig.  2 ) and succeeded in obtaining 15,433 bases of the orf1a/b polyprotein gene and 3,181 bases of the spike protein gene (GenBank OP199247). Phylogenetic analyses (Fig.  2 ) show BHRGV-1 to be a novel member of the subgenus Hibecovirus , approximately equidistant from Bat Hp-betacoronavirus and Zaria bat coronavirus 13 , 14 . BHRGV-1 and the other hibecoviruses form a well-supported clade most closely related to viruses of the separate subgenus Sarbecovirus , which contains SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 (Fig.  2 ) 15 .

figure 2

Trees of BHRGV-1 (bold, red dot) and representative betacoronaviruses based on the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase ( A ) and spike protein ( B ) genes were constructed from codon-based nucleotide alignments (15,816 and 5334 positions, respectively). Taxon labels are abbreviations (See Table  S1 for full descriptions) with viruses from humans (H) or from hosts of other mammalian orders (Ar = Artiodactyla; Ca = Carnivora; Ch = Chiroptera; Eu = Eulipotyphla; La = Lagomorpha; Pe = Perissodactyla; Ph = Pholidota; Ro = Rodentia) in parentheses. Circles on nodes indicate bootstrap values based on 1,000 replicates (black = 100%; gray = 75%-99%; white = 50%-74%); only values ≥ 50% are shown. Colored groupings correspond to Betacoronavirus subgenera (top to bottom): Sarbecovirus , Hibecovirus , Nobecovirus , Merbecovirus , and Embecovirus . Trees were midpoint rooted, yielding root placement the same as that of the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses Betacoronavirus clade within the Coronaviridae 15 . Scale bar indicates nucleotide substitutions per site.

To investigate the potential host range of BHRGV-1, we conducted predicted protein structure and in silico docking analysis of the BHRGV-1 spike protein (Supplementary Fig.  3 ) and the angiotensin II (ACE2) receptors of humans and the other mammals observed consuming bat guano (Supplementary Fig.  4 ). In cases where the ACE2 nucleotide sequence of a particular animal was not available, we used sequences from a closely related species. The Ramachandran scores for BGHRV-1 S and the various species of ACE2 within the energetically favored region of the protein ranged from 95 to 98% (Supplementary Table  3 ). Docking analyses of the BHRGV-1 spike protein indicate non-permissive binding interactions between BHRGV-1 S and ACE2 receptors in all sequences analyzed (Supplementary Table  4 ), implying that ACE2 may not be the Hibecovirus receptor. To investigate other potential receptors, we repeated this analysis on Aminopeptidase-N, Dipeptidyl peptidase 4, and CEACAM1 16 , with similar results indicating non-permissive binding interactions between BHRGV-1 S and each of these molecules (Supplementary Table  4 , Supplementary Figs.  5 – 7 and Supplementary Tables  2 – 4 ). Finally, we examined whether BHRGV-1 has a predicted hemagglutinin-esterase region, which would implicate use of O-acetylated sialic acids as a receptor 17 , but we found no evidence of such a region by scanning for matches in the InterPro protein signature databases 18 , 19 .

Minerals are essential for physiological functioning, growth, reproduction and immunity 20 . Minerals are also often limiting in the core diets of wild animals 21 . Some cave-dwelling invertebrates, fish and salamanders consume bat guano to obtain minerals in their nutrient-limited subterranean environments 22 . However, to our knowledge, guano ingestion by forest-dwelling mammals has not previously been reported. Bat guano also contains nutrients critical to plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, making guano an efficient and widely used fertilizer 23 . This may explain why people appear to have visited the same tree where we documented guano consumption by wildlife. We note that another betacoronavirus has been described in bat guano collected as fertilizer in Thailand 24 , and that harvesting bat guano for this purpose is a widespread but underappreciated practice that may increase pandemic risk 25 .

Our results suggest that guano consumption by Budongo wildlife may be a behavioral adaptation to mineral scarcity. This inference is supported by a decades-long body of evidence showing that wildlife in Budono have responded to the disappearance of R. farinifera by seeking alternative mineral sources 9 , 26 , 27 . The guano contained concentrations of potassium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus equal to or in excess of concentrations in other dietary sources. Past studies have shown that consumption of alternative sources of minerals by Budongo chimpanzees began with the disappearance of R. farinifera 9 , 26 , 27 . Black-and-white colobus and duiker have not been as intensively studied in Budongo, so it is unknown whether guano consumption is also a new behavior for these animals. Black-and-white colobus frequently consume soil, clay, aquatic plants and even cement, demonstrating extreme dietary plasticity with respect to mineral acquisition 28 .

Guano consumption also appears to expose wildlife to bat-associated viruses, to the extent that the sequences we obtained represent infectious viruses. BHRGV-1 is a member of the subgenus Hibecovirus , which contains viruses that primarily infect bats of the genus Hipposideros but have also been documented in the bat genera Macronycteris , Nycteris , and Rhinolophus 29 , and Hibecovirus is sister taxon to the subgenus Sarbecovirus , which contains SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. Predicted protein structure analysis of the BHRGV-1 S protein indicates the highest structural similarity to the SARS-CoV S protein (Supplementary Fig.  3 and Supplementary Table  2 ). However, the binding affinity of the BHRGV-1 S protein for all ACE2 proteins examined (including those of H. armiger , a close relative of H. ruber ) is low (Supplementary Fig.  4 and Supplementary Tables  3 and 4 ), indicating that ACE2 is likely not a viable receptor for host cell entry in these mammals. We obtained similar results for the putative alternative receptors Aminopeptidase-N, Dipeptidyl peptidase 4, and CEACAM1 16 (Supplementary Figs.  5 – 7 and Supplementary Tables  3 and 4 ), and we found no evidence that BHRGV-1 has a predicted hemagglutinin-esterase region that might bind O-acetylated sialic acids, as has been shown for other coronaviruses 17 . If none of these molecules are, in fact, receptors for BHRGV-1 and other hibecoviruses, this would merit further study, especially for predicting the host range and zoonotic potential of coronaviruses in subgenera other than Sarbecovirus .

Coronavirus infections of wildlife have not been documented in Budongo to date. Examining local wildlife for evidence of BHRGV-1 or similar viruses in feces could yield additional information about the breadth of species that might have been exposed to bat-borne coronaviruses. However, multiple outbreaks of respiratory disease in the chimpanzees of Budongo have been observed, with the causes remaining undiagnosed. Respiratory disease outbreaks in other chimpanzee populations in Uganda have resulted from cross-species transmission of viruses from humans 30 , 31 , and human betacoronavirus OC43 can infect wild chimpanzees and cause clinical disease 32 .

Intriguingly, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus, and red duiker have all been implicated in ebolavirus outbreaks in Central and West Africa 1 , 33 , 34 . The natural history of the ebolaviruses is poorly understood, but multi-host models of sylvatic ebolavirus transmission posit that outbreaks occur when primates and ungulates become infected by bats and serve as amplifying hosts 2 , 3 , 35 . Similarly, many bat-borne coronaviruses have emerged in humans after transmission through intermediary hosts 4 , 5 . Mechanisms of virus transmission from bats to other wildlife in nature remain poorly understood, although consumption of fruit contaminated by bats 35 , 36 and contact with viruses shed into the environment 37 , 38 have been hypothesized. Our data suggest another plausible ecological mechanism for exposure of wildlife to bat-associated viruses: consumption of bat guano as a source of dietary minerals. Tropical forest plants and soils are mineral-poor 39 . Depletion of primary sources of minerals such as R. farinifera could create conditions that favor guano consumption as a “fallback” mineral source.

Infectious disease emergence is often attributed to drivers such as land conversion, hunting, urbanization, climate change, and agricultural intensification 40 , but the ecological mechanisms whereby these drivers lead to cross-species pathogen transmission remain imprecisely understood. Our results provide an illustration of how these mechanisms might follow elaborate causal chains. In Budongo, international demand for tobacco caused local selective deforestation and loss of a primary source of dietary minerals, which led to fallback consumption of guano by wildlife and exposure of wildlife to bat-associated viruses, including a congeneric of the pandemic SARS coronaviruses. Mathematical tools for representing causal chains and causal networks are becoming widespread in epidemiology 41 and might prove useful for assessing how environmental and social drivers ultimately lead to zoonotic transmission. This understanding, in turn, could lead to improved precision in the application of tools for preventing pandemics. For example, compared to the costs of a pandemic, the costs of offering local farmers substitutes to R. farinifera for making strings to dry tobacco leaves would likely be trivial 6 , 11 . In general, we suggest that understanding causal chains and identifying their “breakable” links holds promise for illuminating disease ecology and improving zoonoses prevention.

The study took place in the Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda. We first observed chimpanzees in the habituated Waibira community 42 , 43 feeding on bat guano in a hollow tree on the 25th of June, 2017, even though chimpanzees had regularly been observed since 2011. On the 5th of July 2017, we installed a trail camera (Bushnell Trophy Cam, model 119,774) with the following default settings: 10 s video length and interval, auto sensor level, low night vision shutter, and 24 h camera mode. We mounted the camera to a tree 6 m from the tree atop the guano at a height of 1 m. Image capture occurred between the 6th of July and the 18th of October 2017 and again between the 14th of September 2018 and the 28th of April 2019. We analyzed the resulting 14,567 10 s video recordings (40.46 camera-hours in total) for the presence and number of animals feeding on the guano. We defined an “instance” as a set of sequential video recordings of animals of a given species feeding on the guano, separated from the previous instance by at least 30 min during which no individuals of the same species were recorded.

We collected guano samples from this hollow tree monthly from 13th September 2018 to 29th April 2019 (Supplementary Fig.  2 ) and divided them for mineral content analysis and virus identification. We oven-dried samples for mineral content analysis (approximately 50 g) and stored and shipped them to the USA at ambient temperature. We placed samples for molecular analysis (approximately 0.9 ml) in 1.8 ml sterile cryovials, mixed them thoroughly with an equal volume of RNAlater Stabilization Solution (Thermo Fisher, Waltham, MA, USA), and stored them cold in the field and in liquid nitrogen prior to and during shipment to the USA.

All animal use was strictly non-invasive and observational. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, and was in compliance with the guidelines of the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body of the University of Stirling and all applicable regulations governing the protection of animals and research. We have complied with all relevant ethical regulations for animal use. The species of animals were Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii , Hipposideros ruber , Colobus guereza occidentalis , and Cephalophus natalensis , and all were wild-type and of undetermined sex and age.

Prior to analysis, we inactivated samples with ultraviolet radiation and oven-dried them at 105 °C for 48 h. We then digested samples using the MARS 6 Microwave Digestion System (CEM Corporation, Matthews, NC, USA) and analyzed them for Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Mo on an iCAP 6300 inductively coupled plasma radial spectrometer (Thermo Fisher, Waltham, MA, USA) 44 .

Metagenomic analyses

We processed guano samples for virus identification using metagenomic methods 31 , 45 . Briefly, we added 200 μl of guano+RNAlater to 800 μl of Hanks’ balanced salt solution and homogenized them in PowerBead Tubes (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) containing 2.38 mm metal beads. We then treated the homogenate with nucleases to reduce unencapsidated nucleic acids 46 . We used the QIAmp MinElute Virus Spin Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) to isolate total nucleic acids, and we and converted RNA to double-stranded cDNA using the SuperScript double-stranded cDNA Synthesis Kit (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA). We cleaned cDNA using Agencourt AmpureXP beads (Beckman Coulter, Brea, CA, USA) and synthesized DNA libraries using the Nextera XT DNA sample preparation kit (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). We sequenced libraries on an Illumina MiSeq instrument using 600 cycle v3 MiSeq Reagent Kits. We trimmed resulting sequences at a Phred quality score <30, discarded reads <50 bp, and removed sequences matching host genomes and known contaminants. We thereby sequenced samples to a mean depth after quality and length trimming and host genome subtraction of 1.9 M reads (standard error 0.2 M reads), ranging from 1.4 to 3.5 M reads per sample.

Data processing, bioinformatics, statistics, and reproducibility

We subjected sequence reads to de novo assembly using SPAdes 3.13.0 47 , discarded resulting contiguous sequences (contigs) <500 nucleotides, and used cd-hit 48 to remove redundant contigs (90% similarity threshold). We compared remaining contigs to custom databases of representative virus protein sequences and to the NCBI non-redundant protein sequence database using blastx 49 . We ran and analyzed blank samples in parallel to ensure that cross contamination had not occurred.

To investigate BHRGV-1 in greater detail, we queried the initial 15,433 bp contig representing this virus against the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) nucleotide database using blastn in BLAST +  50 , 51 . Based on this analysis, we chose two reference sequences for downstream comparisons: bat Hp-betacoronavirus/Zhejiang2013 (NCBI accession ID NC_025217.1) with 74.5% nucleotide sequence identity to BHRGV-1 and Zaria bat coronavirus strain ZBCoV (Genbank: HQ166910.1) with 76.4% nucleotide sequence identity to BHRGV-1. We then mapped sequence reads from the sample containing the highest concentration of this virus (sample 9, Fig. S 2 ) against each reference separately using CLC Genomics Workbench (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), specifying a minimum length fraction of 0.5 and a minimum similarity fraction of 0.8. We extended mapped regions in CLC Genomics Workbench using iterative mapping of previously unmapped reads to consensus sequences extracted from each prior iteration. We collected reads thus identified, assembled them de novo, and aligned the resulting contigs to both references to create a genome scaffold (each reference was useful for assembling different regions of the BHRGV-1 genome). We then mapped contigs and reads that did not form contigs against the genome scaffold to create a final draft 32,594 bp sequence of the BHRGV-1 ORF1ab polyprotein and spike protein (S) genes. We constructed phylogenetic trees of the BHRGV-1 ORF1ab polyprotein and spike protein (S) genes using PhyML 52 with smart model selection 53 (GTR + I models selected in both cases) and 1000 bootstrap replicates to assess statistical confidence in clades.

We modeled 3D-structures of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of BHRGV-1 S and the putative receptor proteins ACE2, Aminopeptidase-N, Dipeptidyl peptidase 4, and CEACAM1 16 from selected animal species using Modeler 10.2 54 . In cases for which a particular species lacked an available representative sequence, we chose the closest phylogenetic relative of that species for which a representative sequence was available: Hipposideros armiger (great roundleaf bat) in place of Hipposideros ruber (Noack’s roundleaf bat); Capra hircus (goat) in place of Cephalophus natalensis (red duiker); and Colobus angolensis palliates (Angolan black-and-white colobus) in place of Colobus guereza occidentalis (black-and-white colobus) (Table  S2 ). We modeled the BHRGV-1 S protein using the well characterized SARS-CoV spike fusion protein (PDB ID: 2BEZ) as a homologous structural template. Similarly, we used the human ACE2 (PDB ID: 1R42), Aminopeptidase-N (PDB ID: 5LHD), Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (PDB ID: 2QT9), and CEACAM1 (PDB ID: 4QXW) proteins as homologous structural templates in the other species analyzed (Table  S2 ). We evaluated the quality of the resulting models using the GA341 score 55 , DOPE (Discrete Optimized Protein Energy) method scores 56 , and the SWISS-MODEL structure assessment server 57 . We then refined structures with the lowest DOPE scores using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and further analyzed them for quality using Ramachandran Plot and MolProbity in SWISS-MODEL ( 49 ) (Table  S3 ).

We used HDOCK 58 to model putative receptor/BGHRV-1 binding complexes. HDOCK maps receptor and ligand protein molecules onto grids, then “docks” two molecules using a hierarchical approach based on fast Fourier transformation. To minimize bias, we applied the template-free docking method with structures generated by Modeler 10.2. We optimized the final docked protein complexes using the AMBER99SB-ILDN force field in GROMACS 59 . Specifically, docked complexes were immersed in a truncated octahedron box of TIP3P water molecules. The solvated box was further neutralized with Na + or Cl − counter ions using the tleap program. We used Particle Mesh Ewald (PME) to calculate long-range electrostatic interactions, with a cut-off distance for long-range van der Waals (VDW) energy term of 12.0 Å, and the system minimized without restraints. We applied 2500 cycles of steepest descent minimization followed by 5000 cycles of conjugate gradient minimization. We initiated MD simulations by heating each system in the NVT ensemble from 0 to 300 K for 50 ps using a Langevin thermostat with a coupling coefficient of 1.0/ps and a force constant of 2.0 kcal/mol·Å2 on the complex. We ran the MD simulation for 100 ns at a constant temperature of 300 K in the NPT ensemble with periodic boundary conditions for each system. During the MD procedure, we applied the SHAKE algorithm was to all covalent bonds involving hydrogen atoms, with a time step of 2 fs. We calculated free energies of binding for all simulated docked structures using the molecular mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) tool in GROMACS 2022 60 (Table  S4 ). To examine BGHRV-1 for a predicted hemagglutinin-esterase region, we searched for matches in the InterPro protein signature databases using InterProScan 5.65-97.0 18 , 19 .

Data availability

All raw sequence reads were deposited in the NIH National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Achieve under BioProject PRJNA1087330 (accession numbers SAMN40440184-SAMN40440195). All assembled virus genome sequences were deposited in NCBI GenBank under accession numbers OP199247 and OP834146-OP834171.

Leroy, E. M. et al. Multiple Ebola virus transmission events and rapid decline of central African wildlife. Science 303 , 387–390 (2004).

Article   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Caron, A. et al. Ebola virus maintenance: if not (only) bats, what else? Viruses 10 , https://doi.org/10.3390/v10100549 (2018).

Gonzalez, J. P., Souris, M., Sylla, M., Veas, F. & Vincent, T. In Emerging Challenges in Filovirus Infections (ed. Okware, S. I.) 9-28 (IntechOpen, 2019).

Latif, A. A. & Mukaratirwa, S. Zoonotic origins and animal hosts of coronaviruses causing human disease pandemics: A review. Onderstepoort J. Vet. Res 87 , e1–e9 (2020).

Article   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Ye, Z. W. et al. Zoonotic origins of human coronaviruses. Int J. Biol. Sci. 16 , 1686–1697 (2020).

Article   CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Bernstein, A. S. et al. The costs and benefits of primary prevention of zoonotic pandemics. Sci. Adv. 8 , eabl4183 (2022).

Eggling, W. J. Observations on the ecology of the Budongo Rain Forest, Uganda. J. Ecol. 34 , 20–87 (1969).

Article   Google Scholar  

Plumptre, A. J. et al. The biodiversity of the Albertine Rift. Biol. Conserv 134 , 178–194 (2007).

Reynolds, V., Lloyd, A. W. & English, C. J. Adaptation by Budongo Forest chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii ) to loss of a primary source of dietary sodium. Afr. Primates 7 , 156–162 (2012).

Google Scholar  

Sejjaaka, S. in International Businesses and the Challenges of Poverty in the Developing World: Case Studies on Global Responsibilities and Practices (eds Bird, F. & Herman, S. W.) 111-123 (Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2004).

Kinights, J. Raphia Conservation Project . (Budongo Conservation Field Station, 2009).

Sousa, C., Biro, D. & Matsuzawa, T. Leaf-tool use for drinking water by wild chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ): acquisition patterns and handedness. Anim. Cogn. 12 , S115–S125 (2009).

Quan, P. L. et al. Identification of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-like virus in a leaf-nosed bat in Nigeria. mBio 1 , https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00208-10 (2010).

Wu, Z. et al. Deciphering the bat virome catalog to better understand the ecological diversity of bat viruses and the bat origin of emerging infectious diseases. ISME J. 10 , 609–620 (2016).

Woo, P. C. Y. et al. ICTV virus taxonomy profile: Coronaviridae 2023. J. Gen. Virol. 104 , https://doi.org/10.1099/jgv.0.001843 (2023).

Millet, J. K., Jaimes, J. A. & Whittaker, G. R. Molecular diversity of coronavirus host cell entry receptors. FEMS Microbiol. Rev. 45 , https://doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuaa057 (2020).

Robson, B. Bioinformatics studies on a function of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein as the binding of host sialic acid glycans. Comput. Biol. Med 122 , 103849 (2020).

Jones, P. et al. InterProScan 5: genome-scale protein function classification. Bioinforma. (Oxf., Engl.) 30 , 1236–1240 (2014).

CAS   Google Scholar  

Blum, M. et al. The InterPro protein families and domains database: 20 years on. Nucleic Acids Res 49 , D344–D354 (2021).

McDowell, L. R. Minerals in animal and human nutrition . (Elsevier, 2003).

Kaspari, M. The seventh macronutrient: how sodium shortfall ramifies through populations, food webs and ecosystems. Ecol. Lett. 23 , 1153–1168 (2020).

Fenolio, D. B., Graening, G. O., Collier, B. A. & Stout, J. F. Coprophagy in a cave-adapted salamander; the importance of bat guano examined through nutritional and stable isotope analyses. Proc. Biol. Sci. 273 , 439–443 (2006).

CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Sakoui, S. et al. The life hidden inside caves: ecological and economic importance of bat guano. Int. J. Ecol. 2020 , 9872532 (2020).

Wacharapluesadee, S. et al. Group C betacoronavirus in bat guano fertilizer, Thailand. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 19 , 1349–1351 (2013).

Osofsky, S. A., Lieberman, S., Walzer, C., Lee, H. L. & Neme, L. A. An immediate way to lower pandemic risk: (not) seizing the low-hanging fruit (bat). Lancet Planet Health 7 , e518–e526 (2023).

Reynolds, V., Pascual-Garrido, A., Lloyd, A. W., Lyons, P. & Hobaiter, C. Possible mineral contributions to the diet and health of wild chimpanzees in three East African forests. Am. J. Primatol. 81 , e22978 (2019).

Reynolds, V. et al. Mineral acquisition from clay by Budongo Forest chimpanzees. PLoS One 10 , e0134075 (2015).

Article   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Pebsworth, P. A., Huffman, M. A., Lambert, J. E. & Young, S. L. Geophagy among nonhuman primates: A systematic review of current knowledge and suggestions for future directions. Am. J. Phys. Anthropol. 168 , 164–194 (2019).

Chidoti, V. et al. Longitudinal survey of coronavirus circulation and diversity in insectivorous bat colonies in Zimbabwe. Viruses 14 , https://doi.org/10.3390/v14040781 (2022).

Scully, E. J. et al. Lethal respiratory disease associated with human rhinovirus C in wild chimpanzees, Uganda, 2013. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 24 , 267–274 (2018).

Negrey, J. et al. Simultaneous outbreaks of respiratory disease in wild chimpanzees caused by distinct viruses of human origin. Emerg. Microbes Infect. 8 , 139–149 (2019).

Patrono, L. V. et al. Human coronavirus OC43 outbreak in wild chimpanzees, Cote d Ivoire, 2016. Emerg. microbes Infect. 7 , 118 (2018).

Formenty, P. et al. Ebola virus outbreak among wild chimpanzees living in a rain forest of Cote d’Ivoire. J. Infect. Dis. 179 , S120–S126 (1999).

Lahm, S. A., Kombila, M., Swanepoel, R. & Barnes, R. F. Morbidity and mortality of wild animals in relation to outbreaks of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Gabon, 1994–2003. Trans. R. Soc. Trop. Med Hyg. 101 , 64–78 (2007).

Olival, K. J. & Hayman, D. T. Filoviruses in bats: current knowledge and future directions. Viruses 6 , 1759–1788 (2014).

Becquart, P. et al. High prevalence of both humoral and cellular immunity to Zaire ebolavirus among rural populations in Gabon. PLoS One 5 , e9126 (2010).

Forbes, K. M., Sironen, T. & Plyusnin, A. Hantavirus maintenance and transmission in reservoir host populations. Curr. Opin. Virol. 28 , 1–6 (2018).

Becker, D. J., Eby, P., Madden, W., Peel, A. J. & Plowright, R. K. Ecological conditions predict the intensity of Hendra virus excretion over space and time from bat reservoir hosts. Ecol. Lett. 26 , 23–36 (2023).

Camenzind, T., Hättenschwiler, S., Treseder, K. K., Lehmann, A. & Rillig, M. C. Nutrient limitation of soil microbial processes in tropical forests. Ecol. Monogr. 88 , 4–21 (2018).

Plowright, R. K. et al. Land use-induced spillover: a call to action to safeguard environmental, animal, and human health. Lancet Planet Health 5 , e237–e245 (2021).

Ackley, S. F., Lessler, J. & Glymour, M. M. Dynamical modeling as a tool for inferring causation. Am. J. Epidemiol. 191 , 1–6 (2022).

Reynolds, V. The Chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest: Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation . (Oxford University Press, 2005).

Samuni, L., Mundry, R., Terkel, J., Zuberbühler, K. & Hobaiter, C. Socially learned habituation to human observers in wild chimpanzees. Anim. Cognition 17 , 997–1005 (2014).

Irwin, M. T., Raharison, J. L., Chapman, C. A., Junge, R. E. & Rothman, J. M. Minerals in the foods and diet of diademed sifakas: are they nutritional challenges? Am. J. Primatol. 79 , 1–14 (2017).

Negrey, J. D. et al. Demography, life-history trade-offs, and the gastrointestinal virome of wild chimpanzees. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B Biol. Sci. 375 , 20190613 (2020).

Allander, T., Emerson, S. U., Engle, R. E., Purcell, R. H. & Bukh, J. A virus discovery method incorporating DNase treatment and its application to the identification of two bovine parvovirus species. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98 , 11609–11614 (2001).

Bankevich, A. et al. SPAdes: a new genome assembly algorithm and its applications to single-cell sequencing. J. Comput Biol. 19 , 455–477 (2012).

Li, W. & Godzik, A. Cd-hit: a fast program for clustering and comparing large sets of protein or nucleotide sequences. Bioinformatics 22 , 1658–1659 (2006).

States, D. J. & Gish, W. Combined use of sequence similarity and codon bias for coding region identification. J. Comput Biol. 1 , 39–50 (1994).

Altschul, S. F., Gish, W., Miller, W., Myers, E. W. & Lipman, D. J. Basic local alignment search tool. J. Mol. Biol. 215 , 403–410 (1990).

Camacho, C. et al. BLAST+: architecture and applications. BMC Bioinforma. 10 , 421 (2009).

Guindon, S. et al. New algorithms and methods to estimate maximum-likelihood phylogenies: Assessing the performance of PhyML 3.0. Syst. Biol. 59 , 307–321 (2010).

Lefort, V., Longueville, J. E. & Gascuel, O. SMS: Smart model selection in PhyML. Mol. Biol. Evol. 34 , 2422–2424 (2017).

Sali, A. & Blundell, T. L. Comparative protein modelling by satisfaction of spatial restraints. J. Mol. Biol. 234 , 779–815 (1993).

John, B. & Sali, A. Comparative protein structure modeling by iterative alignment, model building and model assessment. Nucleic Acids Res 31 , 3982–3992 (2003).

Shen, M. Y. & Sali, A. Statistical potential for assessment and prediction of protein structures. Protein Sci. 15 , 2507–2524 (2006).

Benkert, P., Biasini, M. & Schwede, T. Toward the estimation of the absolute quality of individual protein structure models. Bioinformatics 27 , 343–350 (2011).

Yan, Y., Tao, H., He, J. & Huang, S. Y. The HDOCK server for integrated protein-protein docking. Nat. Protoc. 15 , 1829–1852 (2020).

Lundborg, M. & Lindahl, E. Automatic GROMACS topology generation and comparisons of force fields for solvation free energy calculations. J. Phys. Chem. B 119 , 810–823 (2015).

Kumari, R., Kumar, R., Open Source Drug Discovery, C. & Lynn, A. g_mmpbsa-a GROMACS tool for high-throughput MM-PBSA calculations. J. Chem. Inf. Model 54 , 1951–1962 (2014).

Download references

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology for kindly granting permission to conduct field studies. We also thank the staff and management of Budongo Conservation Field Station for logistic support, and in particular Jacob Ariyo, Vicent Kiiza, Stephen Mugisha and Charles Rabu for assisting with field data collection. This work was supported in part through the European Research Council, grant agreement number 679787 ((to C. C.) and 802179) (to C.H.), the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (to V.R.), the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division (AFHSD), Global Emerging Infections Surveillance (GEIS) Branch, ProMIS ID P0167_22_NM (to K.A.B-L.), Navy WUN A1417 (to K.A.B-L.), and the University of Wisconsin-Madison John D. MacArthur Research Chair (to T.L.G.). The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, nor the U.S. Government. Several of the authors are U.S. Government employees. This work was prepared as part of their official duties. Title 17 U.S.C. § 105 provides that ‘Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States Government.’ Title 17 U.S.C. §101 defines a U.S. Government work as a work prepared by a military service member or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties.

Author information

These authors contributed equally: Pawel Fedurek, Caroline Asiimwe.

Authors and Affiliations

Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK

Pawel Fedurek

Budongo Conservation Field Station, PO Box 362, Masindi, Uganda

Pawel Fedurek, Caroline Asiimwe, Walter J. Akankwasa, Vernon Reynolds, Catherine Hobaiter, Geoffrey Muhanguzi & Klaus Zuberbühler

Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Command, Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA

Gregory K. Rice, Regina Z. Cer, Andrew J. Bennett & Kimberly A. Bishop-Lilly

Leidos, 1750 Presidents St, Reston, VA, 20190, USA

Gregory K. Rice & Andrew J. Bennett

School of Anthropology, University of Oxford, 51/53 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6PE, UK

Vernon Reynolds

School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews; St Mary’s Quad, South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, UK

Catherine Hobaiter & Klaus Zuberbühler

Department of Zoology, Entomology & Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, PO Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda

Robert Kityo

Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland

Klaus Zuberbühler

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany

Catherine Crockford

Institut des Sciences Cognitives, 67 Bd Pinel, 69500, Bron, France

Department of Anthropology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA

Jessica M. Rothman

School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI, USA

Tony L. Goldberg

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

P.F., C.A., and T.L.G. contributed to the study conception and design. P.F., C.A., W.J.A., V.R., C.H., R. K., G.M., K.Z. and C.C. contributed to sample and data collection in the field. P.F., J.M.R., G.K.R., R.Z.C. A.J.B., K.B.L. and T.L.G. conducted laboratory analyses. G.K.R., R.Z.C., A.J.B., K.B.L. and T.L.G. performed statistical analyses and interpretations. P.F. and T.L.G. wrote the initial manuscript, and all authors read, edited and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Tony L. Goldberg .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

Ethics approval

The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology and was in compliance with the guidelines of the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body of the University of Stirling and all applicable regulations governing the protection of animals and research. We have complied with all relevant ethical regulations for animal use.

Peer review

Peer review information.

Communications Biology thanks Daniel Becker, Katharina C. Wollenberg Valero and the other, anonymous, reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work. Primary Handling Editor: Tobias Goris. A peer review file is available.

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary information

Peer review file, supplementary information, description of additional supplementary files, supplementary video 1, supplementary video 2, supplementary video 3, supplementary video 4, supplementary video 5, rights and permissions.

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Fedurek, P., Asiimwe, C., Rice, G.K. et al. Selective deforestation and exposure of African wildlife to bat-borne viruses. Commun Biol 7 , 470 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06139-z

Download citation

Received : 23 May 2023

Accepted : 02 April 2024

Published : 22 April 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-06139-z

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines . If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.

Quick links

  • Explore articles by subject
  • Guide to authors
  • Editorial policies

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

causes of deforestation essay

Deviant Behavior in the United States

This essay about understanding deviant behavior in the United States explores the various forms of deviance, from juvenile delinquency to institutional corruption to cyber deviance. It emphasizes the complex interplay of individual, societal, and technological factors that contribute to deviant actions. By examining the root causes and dynamics of deviance, the essay underscores the importance of developing holistic approaches to address these issues, involving education, community engagement, legal reforms, and technological advancements. Ultimately, the essay highlights the need for collaborative efforts and a nuanced understanding of deviant behavior to promote social cohesion and justice in American society.

How it works

Deviant behavior, a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, has long intrigued scholars, policymakers, and the general public alike. In the United States, a country celebrated for its diversity and individualism, understanding the intricacies of deviance is crucial for maintaining social order and promoting collective well-being. From petty crimes to white-collar offenses, deviant behavior encompasses a wide range of actions that deviate from societal norms and values.

One prominent aspect of deviant behavior in the United States is juvenile delinquency. Adolescents, in their quest for identity and independence, often engage in behaviors that challenge established norms.

Factors such as peer pressure, family dynamics, and socioeconomic status play significant roles in shaping the deviant tendencies of young individuals. Addressing juvenile delinquency requires a holistic approach that combines education, community involvement, and access to resources aimed at steering at-risk youth away from a life of crime.

Moreover, the phenomenon of deviant behavior extends beyond individual actions to include societal structures and institutions. In the realm of politics, for instance, corruption and unethical conduct among public officials represent a form of deviance that undermines trust in government and erodes democratic principles. Similarly, corporate scandals involving fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading highlight the dark side of capitalism, where greed and self-interest often trump ethical considerations. Efforts to combat institutional deviance require not only legal reforms and regulatory measures but also a cultural shift towards accountability and transparency.

Furthermore, the digital age has brought about new forms of deviant behavior, such as cyberbullying, online harassment, and identity theft. The anonymity and accessibility afforded by the internet have facilitated the proliferation of deviant acts that transcend geographical boundaries and traditional social structures. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for addressing cyber deviance, including enhancing cybersecurity measures, promoting digital literacy, and fostering online communities that prioritize empathy and respect.

In conclusion, deviant behavior in the United States is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by individual, societal, and technological factors. By understanding the root causes and dynamics of deviance, we can develop more effective interventions and strategies for promoting social cohesion and justice. From juvenile delinquency to corporate malfeasance to cyber deviance, addressing deviant behavior requires a collaborative effort that engages diverse stakeholders and acknowledges the complexities of human nature and society.

owl

Cite this page

Deviant Behavior In The United States. (2024, Apr 22). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/deviant-behavior-in-the-united-states/

"Deviant Behavior In The United States." PapersOwl.com , 22 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/deviant-behavior-in-the-united-states/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Deviant Behavior In The United States . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/deviant-behavior-in-the-united-states/ [Accessed: 23 Apr. 2024]

"Deviant Behavior In The United States." PapersOwl.com, Apr 22, 2024. Accessed April 23, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/deviant-behavior-in-the-united-states/

"Deviant Behavior In The United States," PapersOwl.com , 22-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/deviant-behavior-in-the-united-states/. [Accessed: 23-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Deviant Behavior In The United States . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/deviant-behavior-in-the-united-states/ [Accessed: 23-Apr-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

owl

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

IMAGES

  1. Essay on Deforestation for all Class in 100 to 500 Words in English

    causes of deforestation essay

  2. Causes of Deforestation Essay Example

    causes of deforestation essay

  3. Deforestation: Causes and Effects Free Essay Example

    causes of deforestation essay

  4. Effects Of Deforestation Essay Example In English For Students

    causes of deforestation essay

  5. Essay on Deforestation For Students

    causes of deforestation essay

  6. Essay about Deforestation/Deforestation Essay in English/Essay Writing

    causes of deforestation essay

VIDEO

  1. 7 CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION

  2. Deforestation CAUSES & Consequences. Class 8 SCIENCE Chapter 7 Conservation of Plants and Animals

  3. Deforestation Presentation

  4. Essay on deforestation in English 2023 deforestation causes and effects what is deforestation

  5. Best essay writing on Deforestation || Essay on Deforestation in English •||•

  6. Paragraph "Deforestation". বাংলা অর্থ সহ। For the students of class (6-12)

COMMENTS

  1. Essay on Deforestation: 8 Selected Essays on Deforestation

    Essay on Deforestation: Causes and Drawbacks - Essay 4 (400 Words) Deforestation is the process of cutting down of trees and forests completely or partially for different reasons like manufacturing different products with various parts of the tree as raw material, to build structures and other buildings, etc. Deforestation in recent days has ...

  2. Deforestation Causes and Effects

    Deforestation Causes and Effects Essay. Deforestation refers to the act of clearing trees without replacing them. This often happens when someone is creating land for uses such as settlement and cultivation, among others (Spilsbury 9). Currently, it is one of the biggest threats to human life, owing to the fact that forests provide a support ...

  3. Deforestation Essay

    Causes of Deforestation. Some of the most common causes of deforestation are globalization, urbanization, overpopulation and climate. Trees are being cut down for construction purpose, lands are cleared for growing crops and trees are also used as firewood. Globalization in many countries has lead to deforestation as many industries and ...

  4. Why deforestation matters—and what we can do to stop it

    Causes of deforestation. Forests still cover about 30 percent of the world's land area, but they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Since 1990, ...

  5. Deforestation

    deforestation, the clearing or thinning of forests by humans. Deforestation represents one of the largest issues in global land use.Estimates of deforestation traditionally are based on the area of forest cleared for human use, including removal of the trees for wood products and for croplands and grazing lands. In the practice of clear-cutting, all the trees are removed from the land, which ...

  6. Essay on Deforestation: 100 Words, 300 Words

    Deforestation as a topic is discussed and given as assignments to students for their better understanding. In this blog, we will learn the various facets of deforestation, its causes, consequences, and solutions. Also, there are some sample essay on deforestation to help students with their assignments.

  7. Deforestation Effects and Solutions

    Deforestation Effects and Solutions Essay. Over the past several centuries, humans have turned the world into a forest of concrete buildings scattered across the globe. Urban areas are constantly expanding, and this translates into the development of vast areas with tall buildings replacing natural vegetation.

  8. Essay on Deforestation for Students and Children

    500+ Words Essay on Deforestation. Deforestation is the cutting down of trees in the forest in a large number. Deforestation has always been a threat to our environment. ... Global Warming: Global warming is the main cause of the change in our environment. These seasons are now getting delayed. Moreover, there is an imbalance in their ratios ...

  9. Essay on Deforestation

    Speech on Deforestation; 250 Words Essay on Deforestation Introduction. Deforestation, the act of clearing or thinning forests, is a global concern with far-reaching implications. It is primarily driven by human activities such as agriculture, logging, and urbanization, resulting in a significant loss of biodiversity and contributing to climate ...

  10. Essay on Effects of Deforestation for Students

    A.1 Deforestation has many seriously damaging effects. It disrupts the water cycle and increases the level of carbon dioxide and decreases oxygen levels. Further, it also causes floods, droughts, soil erosion and more.

  11. Deforestation Essays

    Deforestation causes extinction, changes to climatic conditions, desertification, and displacement of populations, as observed by current conditions and in the past through the fossil record.Deforestation also reduces biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, increasing negative feedback cycles contributing to global warming.

  12. What Are the Causes and Effects of Deforestation?

    Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, especially clearing land for cattle and soy to feed farmed animals. Forests are a critical global resource, covering around 30 percent of the planet or 4.06 billion hectares. Increasing rates of deforestation threaten this important resource but also much more — as forests are deeply ...

  13. Deforestation Essay

    500 Words Essay On Deforestation. Deforestation is the process of converting a forested area to unforested land. Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses. The most common cause of deforestation is conversion of forest land to farms, ranching and urbanization.

  14. The Importance of Deforestation: [Essay Example], 604 words

    The loss of biodiversity not only disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems but also reduces the potential for scientific discovery and the development of new medicines. Furthermore, deforestation contributes to global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, helping to regulate the Earth's climate.

  15. 500+ Words Essay on Deforestation For Students

    Causes of Deforestation. The underlying causes of deforestation are complex and multifaceted, driven by a combination of human activities and economic pressures. ... 500+ Words Essay on Deforestation. With each resounding crash of a felled tree, the world's forests are diminishing at an alarming rate, stripped away by the insatiable appetite ...

  16. (PDF) Deforestation: Causes, Effects and Control Strategies

    Deforestation is the conversion of forests to non-forest land uses (e.g., agriculture or housing); in this process, forest cover is gradually lost until only 10 % or less of the original cover is ...

  17. Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes

    Deforestation and Its Man-Made Causes Essay. Deforestation is defined as a severe environmental problem that leads to a considerable decrease in forest area, affecting climate worldwide. The process of deforestation can be justified as a possibility to meet the needs of the population, including feeding or manufacturing.

  18. PDF Deforestation: Causes, Effects and Control Strategies

    2. World deforestation According to Professor Norman Myers, one of the foremost authorities on rates of deforestation in tropical forests, the annual destruction rates seems set to accelerate further and could well double in another decade (Myers, 1992). Mostly deforestation has occurred in the temperate and sub-tropical areas.

  19. Deforestation Essay

    The deforestation essay urges us to learn the causes, effects and preventive measures of deforestation. Deforestation is a severe problem, and we must stop cutting down precious trees. Trees are destroyed to make way for urban development and the cultivation of crops.

  20. Essay on Deforestation For Students

    Essay on Deforestation; Causes, Impacts & Solution. Deforestation means to cut down or burn trees in forests or on land and to use land of trees for other purposes. In general it include the removal of rain forest, pastures and cropland from the surface of earth, annually thousands of trees are cut down for several other purposes. Deforestation ...

  21. Causes Of Deforestation Essay

    Causes Of Deforestation Essay; Causes Of Deforestation Essay. 909 Words 4 Pages. Deforestation is a problem that is increasing dramatically over years leading a lot of effects that are harmful for the earth, animals and humans. There are a few problems that cause deforestation. First of all is the necessity of build infrastructure including ...

  22. Essay On Deforestation

    Five Major Causes of Deforestation. 1. The first major cause of deforestation is agricultural development, or the clearing of land to make way for fields, pastures, and other forms of agriculture. In developing countries like Brazil and Indonesia, large parts of the forest have been destroyed because farmers want more space for their crops.

  23. The Causes And Effects Of Deforestation Sociology Essay

    One of the effects of deforestation is doing harm to the indigenous people. When desertification happens, it deadly affects the indigenous people, as it contributes to death, illness, poorness, and culture shock (Mitten, 1997). This is because indigenous people live in the forest and their source of foods come from the forest.

  24. The Missing $1 Trillion

    Deforestation may also have a greater impact that we realize. A study published in the journal Nature last year showed how deforestation in the tropics caused large declines in rainfall between ...

  25. Selective deforestation and exposure of African wildlife to ...

    In Budongo, international demand for tobacco caused local selective deforestation and loss of a primary source of dietary minerals, which led to fallback consumption of guano by wildlife and ...

  26. Deviant Behavior in the United States

    In conclusion, deviant behavior in the United States is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by individual, societal, and technological factors. By understanding the root causes and dynamics of deviance, we can develop more effective interventions and strategies for promoting social cohesion and justice. From juvenile delinquency to corporate ...