IMPACTS OF DEFORESTATION

• economic development


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  • Mining, farming and logging creates employment and tax income for government.
  • Products such as palm oil provide valuable income for countries.

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  • The loss of biodiversity will reduce tourism.
• soil erosion


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  • Once the land is exposed by deforestation, the soil is more vulnerable to rain.
  • With no roots to bind soil together, soil can easily wash away.
• climate change


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  • When rainforests are cut down, the climate becomes drier.
  • Trees are carbon ‘sinks’. With greater deforestation comes more greenhouse emissions in the atmosphere.
  • When trees are burnt, they release more carbon in the atmosphere: This will enhance the greenhouse effect.