Deforestation is the loss of forests. 1 It happens as a result of intense tree logging, which means cutting down trees to produce wood, to make space for farmland or to build motorways or housing developments.
When a forest disappears, the animals that live there disappear as well. In addition, deforestation leaves the soil unprotected against erosion.
Overexploitation
Overexploitation happens when we consume natural resources at a faster rate than they are replenished, for example, when we catch too many fish in a particular area.
Overexploitation can result in the extinction of species, the disappearance of forests and the depletion of aquifers.
Pollution
Pollution is the release of harmful substances into the environment. It can affect air, water or soil.
Climate change
Climate change refers to major variations in climate elements such as temperature, precipitation and wind patterns.
These changes in climate can be caused by natural phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions, or by human activity, such as burning fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels produces greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
The effects of climate change vary, and can include long droughts or major flooding.
