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5 Causes of Deforestation

by Meaghan Weeden ● July 09, 2024 ● 4 min read

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Defined by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as "the conversion of forest to other land use independently of whether human-induced or not," deforestation is a major environmental issue. Since 1990, over 420 million hectares of forest have been deforested. And since 2000, an estimated 47 million hectares of ecologically priceless primary forests were lost.

Yes, it's a lot to take in. But don't be disheartened, be informed!

What Are The Main Causes Of Deforestation?

While reforestation is our primary mission, we recognize that conservation is equally as — if not even more — important. But to protect forests, we first need to understand what their biggest threats are.

1. Agriculture

Look no further than your dinner plate, because between 2000-2018, agriculture was associated with around 90% of global deforestation. While this can mostly be attributed to meat production (particularly beef), large-scale soy and palm oil plantations follow closely behind as causes for deforestation.

But before you shun the tofu, let’s take a closer look: livestock farmers clear vast areas of forest to graze their livestock, and around 80% of all soybeans grown go directly to producing beef, chicken, eggs and dairy. And palm oil, a ingredient that’s nearly ubiquitous in processed foods, accounts for 7% of deforestation in above mentioned time period.

2. Timber Logging

A staggering number of trees are cut every year to meet the incredible global demand for wood and wood products. From clear cuts to massive logging roads opening access to previously untouched areas, these deforested areas are much more vulnerable to conversion to other land uses like mining, agriculture, and settlement. And the issue isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

In fact, a 2023 study conducted by World Resources Institute and published in the journal Nature found that a projected 54% increase in global timber harvests to meet growing global demand for wood could produce more than 10% of total global carbon emissions over the next few decades

3. Mining

Thanks to an ever-increasing demand for minerals, mining affects up to 1/3 of global forest ecosystems (including indirect impacts). Mineral extraction has doubled since the turn of the century, increasingly impacting tropical rainforests and protected areas in places like the Amazon and Cerrado.

Overwhelmingly, mining-related deforestation can be attributed to just two commodities: gold and coal. Together, a recent study found that they resulted in approximately 6,877 square km of forest loss over the last two decades. Other minerals that significantly contribute to deforestation include bauxite, iron ore and copper.

And because large-scale mining is an intensive, industrial undertaking, it requires the development of significant infrastructure, which only increases ecosystem degradation.

4. Urbanization

As human population levels increase, forested areas get cleared to make way for the expansion of cities and settlements. Between 2001-2023, the World Resource Institute reported that approximately three million hectares of tree cover loss could be attributed to urbanization — or, the permanent conversion of forests into human settlements.

And with this urbanization comes even more land use changes to support the needs of growing communities. These include increased sprawl and building construction, waste management for household and industrial waste and sewage, laying of impervious surfaces for roads and highways, development of energy facilities such as power plants and electrical grids, and much more.

5. Climate Change

Climate change is a leading cause of deforestation. Extreme weather events like wildfires (which caused 138 million hectares of forest cover loss between 2001-2023), droughts, and storm surges destroy millions of hectares of forest every year — and their intensity is only increasing with global warming.

But the trouble doesn’t end there: after extreme weather events, deforested or degraded areas are highly susceptible to pests, diseases, and invasive species. This, in turn, can threaten healthy forests nearby.

How To Stop Deforestation

The good news is that there are many ways we can work to reduce deforestation. Here are just a few:

Decouple economic growth from deforestation by urging your favorite brands to reconfigure their supply chains and adopt strict “zero deforestation” policies.

Urge our governmental representatives to introduce or support sustainable land use policies and to pass laws that forbid the sale of products linked to deforestation.

Support campaigns that protect indigenous rights — because indigenous people and other local forest communities are on the front lines of the battle to protect the forests they call home.

Vote with your wallet by only purchasing FSC certified wood, sustainable palm oil, Rainforest-Alliance certified chocolate, and sustainably grown or produced agricultural products.

Male Tree Planter Planting Trees In British Columbia Reforestation

And finally, reforestation — or, planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested, helps the environment by guaranteeing or accelerating the re-establishment of healthy forest cover.

Reforestation can also absorb atmospheric carbon, protect biodiversity, stabilize the soil, support the water cycle, and slowly restore the vital ecosystem services that we all depend on. So let's get to it — plant trees today!