DEFORESTATION CAUSES

Deforestation and forest degradation can happen very quickly, such as when a forest is cut to make way for a palm oil plantation or a new settlement. It can also happen gradually as a result of ongoing forest degradation as temperatures rise due to climate change caused by human activity.

FOREST FIRES

Each year, fires burn millions of hectares of forest worldwide. Fires are a part of nature but degraded forests are particularly vulnerable. These include heavily logged rain forests, forests on peat soils, or where forest fires have been suppressed for years allowing unnatural accumulation of vegetation that makes the fire burn more intensely. The resulting loss has wide-reaching consequences on biodiversity, climate, and the economy.

ILLEGAL AND UNSUSTAINABLE LOGGING

Illegal logging occurs in all types of forests across all continents. It can potentially destroy nature and wildlife, taking away community livelihoods and distorting trade. Illegally harvested wood finds its way into major consumption markets, such as the United States and the European Union, which further fuels the cycle.

FUELWOOD HARVESTING

Over-harvesting trees for domestic use or for commercial trade in charcoal significantly damages forests.

MINING

The impact of mining on tropical forests is growing due to rising demand and high mineral prices. Mining projects are often accompanied by major infrastructure construction, such as roads, railway lines and power stations, putting further pressure on forests and freshwater ecosystems.

CONVERSION OF FORESTS

Forests conversion involves removing natural forests to meet other land needs, such as plantations, agriculture, pasture for cattle settlements and mining. This process is usually irreversible.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Forest loss is both a cause and an effect of our changing climate. Climate change can damage forests, for instance by drying out tropical rainforests and increasing fire damage in boreal forests. Inside forests, climate change is already harming biodiversity, a threat that is likely to increase.