Deforestation Deforestation is when humans remove or clear large areas of forest lands and related ecosystems for non-forest use. These include clearing for farming purposes, ranching and urban use. In these cases, trees are never re-planted. Effects of Deforestation Loss of biodiversity – According to National Geographic, 80% of the world’s plants and animals live in forests, and many cannot live elsewhere. Climate change – Cutting down the trees also removes a mechanism to regulate the temperature in forested areas. Hotter days and cooler nights put additional strain on the remaining plants and animals. Loss of soil fertility – Forested land can be attractive for agriculture because it seems so fertile. In fact, this often isn’t so. The seeming fertility of a rainforest depends on the complex relationships between a variety of plant species. Flooding – Forests absorb heavy rains that otherwise could run directly into rivers an
