Question

What are the causes and consequences of deforestation?

Answer 1

Deforestation:

Deforestation is the conversion of forested areas to non-forested ones by cutting off trees.

Causes:

1. Forests are being converted to agricultural land to feed the world's rising population.
2. Trees are felled for various reasons, including timber, firewood, and cow ranching.
3. Slash-and-burn agriculture, known in India's north-eastern states as Jhum cultivation, has also contributed to deforestation.
4. Construction of houses and other structures.
5. Forest fires are sparked by lightning and other natural phenomena.

Consequences:

1. Deforestation causes increased carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere.
2. Deforestation also causes biodiversity loss owing to habitat destruction.
3. Disrupts the hydrologic cycle.
4. Causes soil erosion.
5. In severe circumstances, it can lead to desertification.