Why do people deforestate and why is is a problem?

Answer 1

Deforestation, or the clearing of forests, is done by people who either want the wood to use or sell for construction, or it's done to clear land for farming or livestock grazing. It is a serious problem for the native animal and plant species because the trees provide a habitat for them and protect the soil from erosion, not to mention holding water in the soil. After people clear these forests, they are only able to use the land for a few years before erosion destroys the soil. Then the people move on to clear another section of forest and eliminate even more essential habitat. Nearly all rainforest species that are endangered are at least partially threatened by habitat loss resulting from deforestation. It is essential that we learn a sustainable means of feeding the large population of people in rainforest areas, or we will lose these vital ecosystems.

Answer 2

People deforest primarily to make way for agriculture, urban development, logging, and mining. Deforestation is a problem because it results in the loss of biodiversity, contributes to climate change by reducing the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide, disrupts ecosystems, and has negative impacts on indigenous communities and wildlife.