The Drivers of Deforestation

The main drivers of deforestation include agriculture expansion, where forests are cleared for crops and livestock; logging, both legal and illegal, to obtain timber; infrastructure development like roads and cities that break up forest areas; and mining for minerals and resources. Additionally, demand for palm oil, soy, and other commodities fuels deforestation. Sometimes, forest clearing is also driven by small-scale farmers seeking land for subsistence. These activities are often driven by economic needs, population growth, and global market demands, leading to significant loss of forest cover and impacting biodiversity and climate stability.