B2nounenvironmentnature
US/diːˌfɔːr.əˈsteɪ.ʃən/
UK/diːˌfɒr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən/
the cutting down or burning of large areas of forest
In context
Deforestation in the Amazon reached its highest level in fifteen years.
Illegal logging and coffee farming have driven deforestation in Vietnam's Central Highlands.
Planting trees alone cannot undo decades of deforestation and soil loss.
Words that go with deforestation
adjective + noun
- tropical deforestationTropical deforestation releases huge amounts of carbon into the air.
- illegal deforestationSatellites now help rangers spot illegal deforestation within days.
- rapid deforestationRapid deforestation has left many hillsides open to landslides.
noun + preposition
- rate of deforestationThe rate of deforestation slowed after the new law was passed.
verb + noun
- halt deforestationMore than a hundred countries promised to halt deforestation by 2030.
- reduce deforestationPaying farmers to protect trees can reduce deforestation.