Deforesting: meaning, definitions and examples
🌳
deforesting
[dɪˈfɔːrɪstɪŋ ]
Definition
environmental impact
Deforesting refers to the process of clearing forested land, typically for agricultural or urban development. This action can lead to significant ecological consequences, such as loss of biodiversity, changes in soil composition, and disruption of water cycles. It can also contribute to climate change due to increased carbon emissions when trees are cut down. Deforesting is a major concern in many regions around the world, as forests play a critical role in maintaining environmental balance.
Synonyms
clear-cutting, logging, tree removal.
Examples of usage
- The company was criticized for deforesting large areas for its new plantation.
- Deforesting regions rapidly increases the risk of soil erosion.
- Activists are protesting against the deforesting practices in the Amazon.
- Government regulations are needed to prevent harmful deforesting.
Interesting Facts
Environmental Science
- Deforesting contributes to climate change by increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere as fewer trees mean less CO2 absorption.
- It leads to the loss of habitats for many animals, causing species extinction and loss of biodiversity.
- Forests play a crucial role in water cycle regulation, and their removal can lead to increased flooding and droughts.
Economic Factors
- Many countries rely on deforesting for agricultural expansion, such as converting forests into farmland for crops.
- Logging industries may see a short-term economic gain from tree removal, but this can result in long-term environmental damage.
- The loss of forests disrupts local economies that depend on sustainable forest products like fruits, nuts, and wood.
Cultural Impacts
- Many indigenous cultures are deeply connected to forests; deforesting can destroy their homes and traditional ways of life.
- Art and literature often use forests as symbols of nature and tranquility, which can be lost due to deforestation.
- Some communities depend on forests for medicinal plants and resources, and these can vanish with deforestation.
Legal and Policy Aspects
- Various international agreements aim to reduce deforestation rates, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices.
- Countries that deforest illegally may face sanctions or pressure from global environmental organizations to protect their ecosystems.
- Reforestation and afforestation are often encouraged as strategies to counteract the impacts of deforestation.
Technological Innovations
- Satellite imagery and drones are increasingly used to monitor deforestation activities and assess forest health.
- New technologies are being developed to create sustainable materials that can reduce the need to cut down trees.
- Some areas are implementing 'smart forestry' practices that balance economic needs with ecological sustainability.
Translations
Translations of the word "deforesting" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desmatamento
🇮🇳 वनस्पति नाश
🇩🇪 Abholzung
🇮🇩 penebangan hutan
🇺🇦 викорчовування лісів
🇵🇱 wylesianie
🇯🇵 森林伐採
🇫🇷 déforestation
🇪🇸 deforestación
🇹🇷 ormanların kesilmesi
🇰🇷 산림 파괴
🇸🇦 إزالة الغابات
🇨🇿 odlesňování
🇸🇰 odlesňovanie
🇨🇳 森林砍伐
🇸🇮 krčenje gozdov
🇮🇸 skógarrækt
🇰🇿 орманның жойылуы
🇬🇪 ხის მოჭრა
🇦🇿 meşə kəsimi
🇲🇽 deforestación
Word Frequency Rank
At position #42,179, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
- ...
- 42176 rubberneck
- 42177 barfed
- 42178 bobsleigh
- 42179 deforesting
- 42180 froufrou
- 42181 remedially
- 42182 lousiest
- ...