Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-4-impacts-of-deforestation

[Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse.md) › [Geography](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography.md) › [Edexcel IGCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse.md) › Impacts of Deforestation

# 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).

### Environmental impacts

![Environmental impacts](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/51312c97-1894-4a6e-81ff-ee22dbe7d12d/shutterstock_106844252.jpg)

- 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.

### Economic impacts

![Economic impacts](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/9febb97a-dd31-47c5-a7ea-806b36917c5e/shutterstock_769908763.jpg)

- 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.

## Test yourself on Impacts of Deforestation

- What are the environmental impacts of deforestation?
- Which of the following is not an environmental impact of deforestation?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/ef6d2f62-5eb8-4168-aaaf-48efdb77968e/section/d32128fb-53b0-43ad-919b-9e1d4f320f1d/session)

- Previous topic: [3.1.3 Effects of Climate Change on People](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-3-effects-of-climate-change-on-people.md)
- Next topic: [3.1.5 End of Topic Test - Climate Change](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-5-end-of-topic-test-climate-change.md)

## Geography: Edexcel IGCSE contents

### 1 Physical Geography
- 1.1 River Environments
  - [1.1.1 Weathering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-1-weathering.md)
  - [1.1.2 Mass Movement](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-2-mass-movement.md)
  - [1.1.3 Erosion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-3-erosion.md)
  - [1.1.4 Transportation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-4-transportation.md)
  - [1.1.5 Deposition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-5-deposition.md)
  - [1.1.6 River Landforms: Waterfalls & Gorges](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-6-river-landforms-waterfalls-and-gorges.md)
  - [1.1.7 River Landforms: Interlocking Spurs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-7-river-landforms-interlocking-spurs.md)
  - [1.1.8 River Landforms: Flood Plains](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-8-river-landforms-flood-plains.md)
  - [1.1.9 River Landforms: Point Bars](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-9-river-landforms-point-bars.md)
  - [1.1.10 River Landforms: Levees](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-10-river-landforms-levees.md)
  - [1.1.11 River Landforms: Meanders](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-11-river-landforms-meanders.md)
  - [1.1.12 River Landforms: Oxbow Lakes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-12-river-landforms-oxbow-lakes.md)
  - [1.1.13 River Landscape Changes: Long Profile](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-13-river-landscape-changes-long-profile.md)
  - [1.1.14 River Landscape Changes: Cross Profile](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-14-river-landscape-changes-cross-profile.md)
  - [1.1.15 Vertical & Lateral Erosion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-15-vertical-and-lateral-erosion.md)
  - [1.1.16 Flood Risk Factors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-16-flood-risk-factors.md)
  - [1.1.17 Human Activities on Rivers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-17-human-activities-on-rivers.md)
  - [1.1.18 River Management: Hard Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-18-river-management-hard-engineering.md)
  - [1.1.19 River Management: Soft Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-19-river-management-soft-engineering.md)
  - [1.1.20 Case Study: The River Eden - Landforms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-20-case-study-the-river-eden-landforms.md)
  - [1.1.21 Case Study: The River Eden - Climate](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-21-case-study-the-river-eden-climate.md)
  - [1.1.22 Case Study: The River Eden - Geology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-22-case-study-the-river-eden-geology.md)
  - [1.1.23 Case Study: The River Eden - Management](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-23-case-study-the-river-eden-management.md)
  - [1.1.24 Case Study: The River Eden - Human Activity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-24-case-study-the-river-eden-human-activity.md)
  - [1.1.25 End of Topic Test - River Environments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-1-25-end-of-topic-test-river-environments.md)
- 1.2 Coastal Environments
  - [1.2.1 Weathering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-1-weathering.md)
  - [1.2.2 Mass Movement](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-2-mass-movement.md)
  - [1.2.3 Erosion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-3-erosion.md)
  - [1.2.4 Deposition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-4-deposition.md)
  - [1.2.5 Longshore Drift](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-5-longshore-drift.md)
  - [1.2.6 Sediment Transportation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-6-sediment-transportation.md)
  - [1.2.7 Wave Action on Coasts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-7-wave-action-on-coasts.md)
  - [1.2.8 Other Factors Influencing Coasts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-8-other-factors-influencing-coasts.md)
  - [1.2.9 Coastal Landforms: Wave-cut Platforms & Cliffs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-9-coastal-landforms-wave-cut-platforms-and-cliffs.md)
  - [1.2.10 Coastal Landforms: Headlands & Bays](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-10-coastal-landforms-headlands-and-bays.md)
  - [1.2.11 Coastal Landforms: Caves, Arches & Stacks](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-11-coastal-landforms-caves-arches-and-stacks.md)
  - [1.2.12 Coastal Deposition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-12-coastal-deposition.md)
  - [1.2.13 Spits, Bars & Sand Dunes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-13-spits-bars-and-sand-dunes.md)
  - [1.2.14 Human Activity on Coasts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-14-human-activity-on-coasts.md)
  - [1.2.15 Coastal Defences: Hard Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-15-coastal-defences-hard-engineering.md)
  - [1.2.16 Coastal Defences: Soft Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-16-coastal-defences-soft-engineering.md)
  - [1.2.17 Coastal Defences: Managed Retreat](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-17-coastal-defences-managed-retreat.md)
  - [1.2.18 Case Study: Holderness Coast Overview](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-18-case-study-holderness-coast-overview.md)
  - [1.2.19 Case Study: Holderness Coast Management](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-19-case-study-holderness-coast-management.md)
  - [1.2.20 Case Study: Holderness Coast Defences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-20-case-study-holderness-coast-defences.md)
  - [1.2.21 End of Topic Test - Coastal Environments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-2-21-end-of-topic-test-coastal-environments.md)
- 1.3 Hazardous Environments - Tropical Cyclones
  - [1.3.1 Characteristics of a Tropical Cyclone](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-1-characteristics-of-a-tropical-cyclone.md)
  - [1.3.2 Structure of a Tropical Cyclone](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-2-structure-of-a-tropical-cyclone.md)
  - [1.3.3 Physical Hazards of Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-3-physical-hazards-of-tropical-cyclones.md)
  - [1.3.4 The Impacts of Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-4-the-impacts-of-tropical-cyclones.md)
  - [1.3.5 Responses to Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-5-responses-to-tropical-cyclones.md)
  - [1.3.6 Vulnerability to Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-6-vulnerability-to-tropical-cyclones.md)
  - [1.3.7 Preparing for Tropical Cyclones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-7-preparing-for-tropical-cyclones.md)
  - [1.3.8 Case Study: Katrina](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-8-case-study-katrina.md)
  - [1.3.9 Case Study: Nargis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-3-9-case-study-nargis.md)
- 1.4 Hazardous Environments - Earthquakes & Volcanoes
  - [1.4.1 Earthquakes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-1-earthquakes.md)
  - [1.4.2 Features of an Earthquake](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-2-features-of-an-earthquake.md)
  - [1.4.3 Types of Earthquake](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-3-types-of-earthquake.md)
  - [1.4.4 Case Study: L'Aquila](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-4-case-study-laquila.md)
  - [1.4.5 Case Study: Chile](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-5-case-study-chile.md)
  - [1.4.6 Case Study: Japan & Pakistan - Planning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-6-case-study-japan-and-pakistan-planning.md)
  - [1.4.7 Volcanoes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-7-volcanoes.md)
  - [1.4.8 Types of Volcanoes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-8-types-of-volcanoes.md)
  - [1.4.9 Volcanic Eruptions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/1-4-9-volcanic-eruptions.md)

### 2 Human Geography
- 2.1 Economic Activity & Energy
  - [2.1.1 Increasing Energy Consumption](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-1-increasing-energy-consumption.md)
  - [2.1.2 Non-Renewable Energy - Nuclear](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-2-non-renewable-energy-nuclear.md)
  - [2.1.3 Non-Renewable Energy - Fossil Fuels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-3-non-renewable-energy-fossil-fuels.md)
  - [2.1.4 Renewable Energy - Solar](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-4-renewable-energy-solar.md)
  - [2.1.5 Renewable Energy - Water & Bio](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-5-renewable-energy-water-and-bio.md)
  - [2.1.6 Renewable Energy - Hydro](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-6-renewable-energy-hydro.md)
  - [2.1.7 Energy - Statistical Skills](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-1-7-energy-statistical-skills.md)
- 2.2 Rural Environments
  - [2.2.1 Rainforests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-1-rainforests.md)
  - [2.2.2 Temperate Forests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-2-temperate-forests.md)
  - [2.2.3 Characteristics of a Temperate Forest](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-3-characteristics-of-a-temperate-forest.md)
  - [2.2.4 Goods & Services in Temperate Forests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-4-goods-and-services-in-temperate-forests.md)
  - [2.2.5 Deserts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-5-deserts.md)
  - [2.2.6 Tundra](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-2-6-tundra.md)
- 2.3 Urban Environments
  - [2.3.1 Urbanisation in Different Countries](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-1-urbanisation-in-different-countries.md)
  - [2.3.2 Causes of Urbanisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-2-causes-of-urbanisation.md)
  - [2.3.3 Consequences of Urbanisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-3-consequences-of-urbanisation.md)
  - [2.3.4 Sustainable Urbanisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-4-sustainable-urbanisation.md)
  - [2.3.5 Case Study: Rapid Urbanisation in Mexico City](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-5-case-study-rapid-urbanisation-in-mexico-city.md)
  - [2.3.6 End of Topic Test - Urbanisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/2-3-6-end-of-topic-test-urbanisation.md)

### 3 Global Issues
- 3.1 Fragile Environments & Climate Change
  - [3.1.1 Natural Causes of Climate Change](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-1-natural-causes-of-climate-change.md)
  - [3.1.2 Effects of Climate Change on the Environment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-2-effects-of-climate-change-on-the-environment.md)
  - [3.1.3 Effects of Climate Change on People](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-3-effects-of-climate-change-on-people.md)
  - [3.1.4 Impacts of Deforestation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-4-impacts-of-deforestation.md)
  - [3.1.5 End of Topic Test - Climate Change](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-5-end-of-topic-test-climate-change.md)
  - [3.1.6 Increasing Water Supply](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-6-increasing-water-supply.md)
  - [3.1.7 Sustainable Rainforest Management](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-1-7-sustainable-rainforest-management.md)
- 3.2 Globalisation & Migration
  - [3.2.1 Globalisation - Transport](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-1-globalisation-transport.md)
  - [3.2.2 Globalisation - Communication Networks & Banking](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-2-globalisation-communication-networks-and-banking.md)
  - [3.2.3 Push & Pull Factors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-3-push-and-pull-factors.md)
  - [3.2.4 TNCs & Globalisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-4-tncs-and-globalisation.md)
  - [3.2.5 Tourism Landscapes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-5-tourism-landscapes.md)
  - [3.2.6 The Growth of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-6-the-growth-of-tourism.md)
  - [3.2.7 The Economic Benefits of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-7-the-economic-benefits-of-tourism.md)
  - [3.2.8 The Social & Cultural Benefits of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-8-the-social-and-cultural-benefits-of-tourism.md)
  - [3.2.9 The Economic Costs of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-9-the-economic-costs-of-tourism.md)
  - [3.2.10 The Social & Cultural Costs of Tourism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-10-the-social-and-cultural-costs-of-tourism.md)
  - [3.2.11 Managing Tourism - Sustainability](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-11-managing-tourism-sustainability.md)
  - [3.2.12 Managing Tourism - Quotas & Tourism Hubs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-2-12-managing-tourism-quotas-and-tourism-hubs.md)
- 3.3 Development & Human Welfare
  - [3.3.1 Ways of Defining Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-1-ways-of-defining-development.md)
  - [3.3.2 Different Ways of Measuring Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-2-different-ways-of-measuring-development.md)
  - [3.3.3 Environmental Factors Causing Uneven Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-3-environmental-factors-causing-uneven-development.md)
  - [3.3.4 Historical Factors Causing Uneven Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-4-historical-factors-causing-uneven-development.md)
  - [3.3.5 Economic Factors Causing Uneven Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-5-economic-factors-causing-uneven-development.md)
  - [3.3.6 Patterns of Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-6-patterns-of-development.md)
  - [3.3.7 How Can we Reduce the Global Development Gap?](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-7-how-can-we-reduce-the-global-development-gap.md)
  - [3.3.8 Top-Down & Bottom-Up Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/igcse/geography/edexcel-igcse/3-3-8-top-down-and-bottom-up-development.md)
