Deforestation

Deforestation, clearance, or clearing is the removal of a forest or stand of trees
where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use. Examples of deforestation include
conversion of forestland to farms, ranches, or urban use. The most concentrated deforestation
occurs in tropical rainforests. About 30 percent of Earth's land surface is covered by forests.

Deforestation occurs for multiple reasons: trees are cut down to be used for building
or sold as fuel (sometimes in the form of charcoal or timber), while cleared land is used
as pasture for livestock and plantation. The removal of trees without sufficient reforestation
has resulted in habitat damage, biodiversity loss, and aridity. It has adverse impacts on
biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Deforestation has also been used in war to
deprive the enemy of vital resources and cover for its forces.