This destructive practice affects a lot more than the landscape. Deforestation refers to the permanent (or long-term) removal of forest areas. It is sometimes done by timber companies who harvest the trees with no thought to regeneration, but more often the land is cleared for other purposes, such as agriculture or industry. The results include lost habitat for wildlife, disruption of ecosystems, and soil erosion. Deforestation is also thought to be a major contributor to global warming, since trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a significant greenhouse gas, from the air. Fewer trees means more atmospheric CO2. In addition, the disturbing of soil and the burning and/or decomposing of trees releases even more CO2 into the environment.

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