Agricultural expansion, particularly for large-scale farming and plantations, is the leading cause of deforestation globally.

Deforestation reduces the rate of evapotranspiration, leading to increased surface runoff and reduced groundwater recharge.

Increased surface runoff can lead to soil erosion, landslides, and sedimentation in water bodies, impairing water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

Deforestation disrupts the water cycle, leading to reduced water infiltration, increased runoff, and decreased water availability for human use.

A combination of sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation and afforestation programs, and water conservation measures can help mitigate the negative impacts of deforestation on water resources.

Deforestation refers specifically to the conversion of forest areas to non-forest uses, often for agricultural purposes.

South America, particularly the Amazon rainforest, has experienced extensive deforestation due to agricultural expansion, logging, and mining activities.

Deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide through the burning of forests, reducing the Earth's albedo by converting forests to darker surfaces, and disrupting the water cycle.

Reforestation refers to the planting of trees in areas that were previously forested but have been cleared.

Reforestation offers multiple benefits, including carbon sequestration, improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity, and soil conservation.

Deforestation can negatively impact the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities by reducing their access to food, water, fuelwood, and other resources they rely on for survival.

Agroforestry involves integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to provide environmental benefits and enhance productivity.

Agroforestry offers multiple benefits, including soil conservation, improved biodiversity, water regulation, and increased agricultural productivity.

The UNFCCC includes a mechanism called REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), which aims to reduce deforestation and promote sustainable forest management.

Afforestation refers to the planting of trees in areas that were not previously forested.