Environmental Policies And Agreements Questions
The major causes of deforestation include:
1. Agricultural expansion: The conversion of forests into agricultural land, particularly for commercial farming, is a significant driver of deforestation. This is often driven by the demand for commodities such as soy, palm oil, and beef.
2. Logging: Unsustainable logging practices, both legal and illegal, contribute to deforestation. Timber is harvested for various purposes, including construction, furniture production, and paper manufacturing.
3. Infrastructure development: The construction of roads, dams, and other infrastructure projects often requires clearing large areas of forests, leading to deforestation.
4. Mining: The extraction of minerals and resources, such as gold, oil, and gas, can result in the destruction of forests and the displacement of indigenous communities.
5. Forest fires: Natural and human-induced forest fires can cause significant deforestation, particularly in regions with dry climates or where slash-and-burn agriculture is practiced.
6. Population growth and urbanization: The increasing demand for housing, urban expansion, and infrastructure to accommodate growing populations can lead to deforestation as forests are cleared for these purposes.
7. Climate change: Climate change can indirectly contribute to deforestation by altering rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency and intensity of forest fires, and making forests more susceptible to pests and diseases.
It is important to note that these causes often interact and reinforce each other, exacerbating the rate of deforestation.