Question

What are the consequences of deforestation?

Answer 1

Deforestation refers to the removal of trees resulting in cleared land.

There are several consequences of deforestation:

1. Changes in Soil:

• Loss of nutrients in the soil that are derived from breakdown of tree leaves.
  
• Increased soil erosion by wind and rain.
  
• Increased flooding due to a lack of water absorption by trees.
  
• Decreased ability to support other plants due to nutrient loss.
  

2. Loss of biodiversity:

• Animals and plants that are unable to grow outside of a forest environment face extinction.

3. Climate change:

• Increased greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide) present in the air
  

when trees are not available to absorb them.

• Increased carbon in the air from the burning of trees.
  
• Decreased cooling of land from water evaporation in forests.
  

4. Impacts on humans:

• Decreased availability of wood for cooking and heating.