Deforestation impacts the environment in multiple significant ways: 1. Loss
of Habitat and Biodiversity
Deforestation destroys the habitats of about 70-80% of land animals and plant
species, leading to species loss and threatening biodiversity. This loss
includes many known and unknown species, contributing to accelerated
extinction rates and disrupting ecosystem balance and services such as
pollination and food supply
. 2. Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change
Trees act as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
When forests are cut down or burned, stored carbon is released back into the
atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. Deforestation accounts
for roughly 12-20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, intensifying global
warming and climate change. This also reduces the Earth's ability to regulate
temperature and weather patterns
. 3. Disruption of the Water Cycle
Trees regulate the water cycle by absorbing water from the soil and releasing
it into the atmosphere through transpiration, which helps form clouds and
precipitation. Deforestation reduces atmospheric moisture, leading to
decreased rainfall, dryer soils, and altered river flows. This can cause
droughts, desertification, and changes in local and global weather systems,
including the disruption of critical forests like the Amazon rainforest
. 4. Soil Erosion and Degradation
Tree roots anchor soil and help retain water. Without trees, soil becomes
loose and prone to erosion by wind and rain, leading to loss of fertile
topsoil, landslides, and increased flooding. This degrades land productivity,
harming agriculture and increasing the need for artificial fertilizers
. 5. Negative Effects on Air and Water Quality
Deforestation reduces the natural filtration of air pollutants and water
impurities. The loss of trees leads to poorer air quality and increased
pollution. Water bodies can become polluted with sediments and chemicals due
to increased runoff, affecting drinking water, wildlife, and agriculture
. 6. Increased Risk of Disease Spread
Clearing forests brings humans and wildlife into closer contact, increasing
the risk of zoonotic diseases (those transmitted from animals to humans), such
as malaria and Ebola. Changes in the environment can also encourage the growth
of pathogens that thrive in disturbed ecosystems
. In summary, deforestation causes habitat loss, biodiversity decline, increased carbon emissions, disruption of water cycles, soil erosion, pollution, and heightened health risks, all of which collectively threaten environmental stability and human well-being
