Deforestation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-007522",
  "term": "Deforestation",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Those practices or processes that result in the conversion of forested lands for non-forest uses. Deforestation contributes to increasing carbon dioxide concentrations for two reasons: 1) the burning or decomposition of the wood releases carbon dioxide; and 2) trees that once removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the process of photosynthesis are no longer present.\n\n2. Those practices or processes that result in the conversion of forested lands for non-forest uses. This is often cited as one of the major causes of the enhanced greenhouse effect for two reasons: 1) the burning or decomposition of the wood releases carbon dioxide; and 2) trees that once removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the process of photosynthesis are no longer present.\n\n3. The removal of a forest, woodland or stand of trees without adequate replanting or natural regeneration.\n\n4. The removal of forest stands by cutting and burning to provide land for agricultural purposes, residential or industrial building sites, roads, etc. or by harvesting the trees for building materials or fuel. Oxidation of organic matter releases CO2 to the atmosphere, and regional and global impacts may result.\n\n5. Removal of a forest, woodland or stand of trees without adequate replanting or natural regeneration.",
  "subject": "Climate change",
  "references": [
    "Glossary of Climate Change Terms",
    "Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Glossary of Climate Change Terms",
    "Chesapeake Bay Glossary",
    "NASA Sustainable Development Indicators Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/deforestation/"
}