The effects of deforestation are becoming increasingly evident, threatening both natural ecosystems and human livelihoods. From rapidly shrinking tropical forests to degraded mangrove swamps, deforestation poses a serious challenge to long-term sustainability. This loss of biomass not only endangers wildlife but also disrupts the livelihoods of local communities and is often a focus of environmental justice.
Effects of Deforestation on the Environment
Deforestation affects and disrupts the delicate balance of natural ecosystems and accelerates climate change.
1. Loss of Biodiversity
When forests are cleared, countless species lose their habitats. This threat is especially dire in biodiversity hotspots like Sumatra in Indonesia and the Sundarbans in Bangladesh, which harbour many endemic species.
For example, in the past few decades, Sumatra has lost nearly half of its forest cover, mainly due to palm oil production. This has endangered animal species such as the Sumatran rhinoceros and the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan.
In the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest spanning India and Bangladesh, deforestation and rising sea levels increase stress on Bengal tiger habitats and other rare fauna, putting them at heightened risk of extinction.
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Climate Change
Forests act as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and storing it in tree biomass and soil. However, removing or burning trees releases these stored gases back into the atmosphere, compounding global warming. As a result, deforestation and forest degradation account for roughly 12% of global CO₂ emissions.
In Asia, countries like Indonesia rank among the highest in deforestation rates, primarily due to agricultural expansion, logging and infrastructure development. This rapid loss of natural forests not only contributes to global warming but also hinders the region’s ability to mitigate climate change.
3. Soil Erosion and Degraded Water Cycles
Trees help anchor soil and regulate water cycles. Without their root systems, soil can wash away more easily, leading to lower agricultural productivity and impaired water quality. These changes can trigger cascading effects, including reduced groundwater recharge and a decline in water availability for agriculture, industry and households.
This is particularly true for mangrove forests in coastal regions, which act as a natural barrier to erosion from wave action and storm surges. However, around one-third of the world’s mangrove forests have been lost over the last 50 years.
4. Disruption of Local Climate Patterns
Healthy forests are vital in maintaining local and regional climate balances by regulating rainfall and temperature. When large forest tracts are removed, local climates often become hotter and drier, with rainfall patterns shifting unpredictably. This changes the conditions many other plants and animals rely on, further threatening biodiversity.
Effects of Deforestation on Humans
The effects of deforestation on human communities are far-reaching and uneven, impacting health, livelihoods and cultural traditions. Vulnerable populations, especially in rural areas, bear the brunt of these challenges.
5. Food Security Challenges
Forests are essential for sustaining diverse food sources, from wild fruits and nuts to the pollinators critical for crops. When forests disappear, the availability of these resources diminishes. Furthermore, crop yields fall as soil quality declines and climate patterns change. For example, a study on the Brazilian Amazon found that soybean yields could have been 6.6-9.9% higher without deforestation.
6. Disease Transmission
Deforestation has been linked to the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. When forest habitats shrink, mosquitoes and other vectors often move closer to human settlements, increasing infection rates. Furthermore, nearly one-third of outbreaks of new and emerging diseases result from these changes in land use.
7. Threats to Indigenous Tribes and Local Communities
For Indigenous tribes, forests are not only a source of sustenance but also a cornerstone of cultural identity. As deforestation progresses, traditional knowledge tied to the land may be lost, and communities can face displacement or forced relocation.
For example, Indigenous people in Malaysia have been displaced by logging interests, highlighting the social injustice that arises when economic gains overshadow the rights and welfare of native peoples. These communities often have limited means to fight legal battles, leading to a cycle of marginalisation.
8. Economic Inequalities and Urban Migration
In many deforested regions, once-viable rural livelihoods tied to farming, hunting or gathering become unsustainable. This decline pushes families to move to urban centres for work, increasing overcrowding and competition for limited resources. The outcome is often an increase in urban poverty and the emergence of informal settlements that lack adequate infrastructure.
Effects of Deforestation on the Economy
Beyond social implications, deforestation has profound economic consequences. Forest-based industries employ 50 million people and add around USD 450 billion annually to the global economy.
9. Agricultural Production and Supply Chain Disruptions
Clearing forests disrupts water cycles and degrades soil fertility, leading to lower crop yields over time. When harvests suffer, it increases production costs and heightens the risk of supply chain delays. Such disruptions can ripple through global supply chains, affecting food availability and contributing to price volatility in local and international markets.
10. Damage to Infrastructure and Industry
The removal of forests can worsen flooding and landslides, threatening roads, railways and industrial hubs. Landslides can obstruct transportation routes, causing significant economic losses and putting lives at risk. In areas with upstream deforestation, natural flood buffers are reduced, and recurring floods can force the costly rebuilding of infrastructure.
Protecting Biodiversity for Future Generations
The effects of deforestation are far-reaching, spanning from loss of wildlife and climate disruption to threats against human health and economic stability. Sustainable forest management, reforestation programs and policy initiatives prioritising ecosystem preservation are essential to reversing the trend. Furthermore, it will require a significant financial investment of up to USD 300 billion annually until 2030 to facilitate this transition.
Eric Koons
Writer, United States
Eric is a passionate environmental advocate that believes renewable energy is a key piece in meeting the world’s growing energy demands. He received an environmental science degree from the University of California and has worked to promote environmentally and socially sustainable practices since. Eric has worked with leading environmental organisations, such as World Resources Institute and Hitachi ABB Power Grids.
Eric is a passionate environmental advocate that believes renewable energy is a key piece in meeting the world’s growing energy demands. He received an environmental science degree from the University of California and has worked to promote environmentally and socially sustainable practices since. Eric has worked with leading environmental organisations, such as World Resources Institute and Hitachi ABB Power Grids.
