Deforestation
The process of clearing forests
Real World Example
Historically, deforestation has often been driven by the need for more agricultural land, timber, and space for human settlements, which helped civilizations grow but also led to environmental changes. In the past, this was important as it supported economic development and population expansion. Today, deforestation remains a critical issue as it contributes to climate change, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of indigenous communities' lives. For example, in the Amazon rainforest, ongoing deforestation affects global weather patterns and decreases the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, impacting climate stability. This matters to everyone because it can lead to more extreme weather events, which can affect food availability, homes, and health worldwide.