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- The conversion of forests into agricultural land for crops and cattle is one of the main causes of deforestation.
- Trees are cut down for commercial use in construction, furniture, and paper products.
- Development projects like highways, dams, and mines also contribute to deforestation.
- Climate change also plays a role in deforestation.
- Global warming causes changes in weather patterns which can lead to forest fires and disease outbreaks.
- As more land is needed for infrastructure and housing as a result of urbanisation and population growth, deforestation also increases.
- Large tracts of forest are removed to make room for oil palm plantations as a result of the demand for biofuels like palm oil.
- In some places, particularly in Africa, the use of wood charcoal for heating and cooking can also be a substantial contributor to deforestation.
- Deforestation can also be a result of weak governance and a lack of regulations.
- Mining destroys forests by removing huge areas of them to acquire minerals and other resources.
