2.2.7

Impacts of Deforestation

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The Impacts of Deforestation

Deforestation usually impacts the environment negatively and the economy positively (at least in the short-term).

Illustrative background for Environmental impactsIllustrative background for Environmental impacts ?? "content

Environmental impacts

  • Fewer trees mean less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis.
  • Fewer trees mean that soil is bound together less tightly and that soil erosion is more likely to happen. This increases the probability of flooding and makes the soil less nutrient-rich. Soil is also more likely to be washed away if rainfall hits the rainforest floor more frequently.
  • Often, deforestation happens using 'slash and burn' techniques. The burning of the trees releases a lot of carbon into the atmosphere.
Illustrative background for Economic impactsIllustrative background for Economic impacts ?? "content

Economic impacts

  • In 2018, Brazil exported $28bn worth of metals. The mining industry creates jobs, exports and helps increase Brazilian people's standard of living.
  • Similarly, hydroelectric power plants and cattle farms help to create jobs.
  • A nation's tourism industry could be damaged if too much deforestation took place as tourists could stop visiting the rainforest.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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