Impacts of Deforestation

Geography: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 3.1.4

The Impacts of Deforestation

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

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.

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.