What are the impacts of deforestation?
It is impossible to draw a comprehensive list of everything we stand to lose from deforestation. But here are some of the main aspects: • Loss of biodiversity: Species lose their habitat, or can no longer subsist in the small fragments of forests that are left. Populations dwindle, and eventually some can become extinct. Because of the high degree of endemism, or presence of species that are only found within a specific geographical range, even localized deforestation can result in loss of species. • Habitat degradation: New highways that provide access to settlers and loggers into the heart of the Amazon Basin are causing widespread fragmentation of rainforests. These fragmented landscapes are affected in species structure, composition and microclimate, and are more vulnerable to droughts and fires – alterations that negatively affect a wide variety of animal species.4 • Modified global climate: The forests’ ability to absorb the pollutant carbon dioxide (CO2) is reduced. At the same
