Deforestation
Group Members:
Ghafeerah Saleem 2021-GE-03
Sidra Iqbal 2021-GE-05
Presented To:
Dr. Sadia Ismail
Deforestation
Deforestation
"The death of the forest is the end of our life."
Problem Statement
Introduction
Effects
Causes
Global Overview of
Table Of
Deforestation
Case Studies
Contents
Environmental Solutions
Conclusion
"When we destroy the forests,
we destroy the every
foundation of our lives."
01
Problem Statement
Problem Statement
Deforestation involves the removal of forests for
agriculture, urban development, and resource
extraction.
Pakistan has forest coverage well below global
standards, leading to severe ecological consequences
such as water stress, soil erosion, and increased
greenhouse gases
This presentation focuses on both global and regional
deforestation, particularly in Pakistan, and explores the
causes, impacts, and viable solutions.
02
Introduction
Introduction
Forests support ecology,
biodiversity, and climate
balance
Deforestation = large-scale
tree removal
Leads to habitat loss, climate
change, and imbalance
03
Effects
Effects
Loss Of Biodiversity
Soil Erosion
Local Climate Change
Impacts On Indigenous Peoples
Loss Of Ecosystem Services
Increased Risk Of Natural Disasters
Loss Of
Biodiversity
Forests are home to an estimated
80% of the world's terrestrial
species. Deforestation destroys
habitats, leading to the loss of
biodiversity and the eventual
extinction of species.
Soil Erosion
Trees help to anchor soil in
place with their roots.
Deforestation can lead to soil
erosion, which can reduce
the fertility of the soil and
cause downstream water
pollution.
Local Climate
Change
Deforestation can alter the
local climate by reducing
the amount of moisture in
the air and changing the
temperature of the area.
Impacts On Many indigenous
peoples rely on forests
Indigenous for their livelihoods,
Peoples and deforestation can
disrupt their traditional
ways of life.
Forests provide a range of ecosystem
services, including regulating water
flow, preventing soil erosion, and
supporting pollinators. Deforestation can
lead to the loss of these services.
Loss Of
Ecosystem
Services
Increased Risk
Of Natural
Disasters
The risk of natural disasters, as climate
change and other factors continue to affect
the planet. Some of the most common natural
disasters include hurricanes, tornadoes,
floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts,
among others.
03
Causes
Causes
Agriculture
Logging
Mining
Infrastructure Development
Agriculture
Agriculture is a major cause of deforestation
Forests are cleared for crops and livestock
Common in Brazil, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Key drivers: soy, palm oil, and cattle ranching
Logging
Logging (legal & illegal) is a major cause
Trees are cut for construction, furniture, and
paper
Often done unsustainably, harming forest
ecosystems
Sustainable logging exists but is less
commonly practiced
Mining
Mining for minerals and metals
can also cause deforestation.
The process of mining requires the
removal of trees and vegetation,
and it can also pollute waterways
and soil.
Infrastructure
Development
Climate change is closely linked to
deforestation.
Deforestation releases large amounts of
carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,
which contributes to global warming
and climate change.
04
Global Overview of Deforestation
Global Overview
From 1990 to 2020, the world lost over 60 million
hectares of forest, especially in tropical zones. Major
deforestation hotspots include the Amazon Basin, Congo
Basin, and Southeast Asia(Laurance, W. F., et al. 2002)
The world loses about 10 million hectares of
forests each year (FAO, 2020).
Global Overview
Amazon Rainforest (South America) –
Heavily impacted by agriculture and cattle
ranching.
Congo Basin (Africa) – Logging and farming
are major drivers.
Southeast Asia – Forests cleared for palm oil,
rubber, and paper industries.
05
Case Studies
Deforestation in Brazil
Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, often
called the 'lungs of the Earth,' is
facing deforestation due to cattle
ranching, soy farming, and
logging(Laurance, W. F., et al.,2002)
Consequences:
biodiversity loss,
increased carbon emissions,
Regional climate disruptions.
Amazon Deforestation
Nearly 80% of Amazon deforestation is
attributed to cattle ranching.
Amazon Rainforest: Between August
2023 and July 2024, deforestation in the
Amazon decreased by approximately
30.6%, with 6,288 km² of forest cleared
the lowest rate in 15 years
Deforestation in Pakistan
Pakistan’s forest cover is around 4.8%, below
global average
1.3 million hectares lost (1990–2020), mostly in
the north
Annual deforestation rate:0.2%–0.5%
(~43,000 ha/year)
Forest cover varies:2.2%–5.7% depending on
source
Shangla district has the highest forest cover
(80%+)
Changa Manga Deforestation
Once considered the largest man-made
forest in Pakistan,
Changa Manga has lost up to 70% of its
area due to encroachment and neglect.
Restoration efforts are limited and require
stronger policy enforcement.
Deforestation
06
Environmental Solution
Solution
Promote sustainable forestry
Support conservation efforts
Reduce demand for forest products
Promote responsible consumption
Educate the public
Enforce laws and regulations
Support sustainable agriculture
Use renewable energy
07
Conclusion
Deforestation
Conclusion
In conclusion, deforestation is a major environmental issue that has significant negative
impacts on the planet and human societies. It leads to the loss of biodiversity, contributes
to climate change, increases the risk of soil erosion, disrupts water cycles, and poses a
threat to the livelihoods of communities that rely on forests for their well-being
References:
1. FAO. (2020). Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020.
2. Geist, H. J., & Lambin, E. F. (2002). "Proximate and underlying causes
of deforestation." BioScience, 52(2), 143-150.
3. Laurance, W. F., et al. (2002). "Predictors of deforestation in the
Brazilian Amazon." Journal of Biogeography, 29(5-6), 737–748.
4. Margono, B. A., et al. (2014). "Primary forest cover loss in Indonesia
over 2000–2012." Nature Climate Change, 4, 730–735.
5. Global Forest Watch. (2021). Pakistan Tree Cover Loss Data (2001–
2020).
6. Ali, J., & Benjaminsen, T. A. (2004). "Fuelwood, timber and
deforestation in northern Pakistan." Geoforum, 35(6), 907–918. Note: Compulsory References
are there. The rest are in the
7. WWF Pakistan. (2021). Urban Tree Cover Assessment – Lahore. CEP.
"Forests are the lungs of
our land, purifying the
air and giving fresh
strength to our people.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
Deforestation
Thank
you
"The Earth is Speaking... Are We
Listening?"