deforestation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deforestation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the clearing of a large area of forest and the resulting environmental damage. For example, "The deforestation caused by urban sprawl is having an increasingly negative impact on the global environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1992 Mr Gore asserted that 20% of the Amazon had been deforested and that deforestation continued at the rate of 80m hectares a year.

The Economist

The agreement, signed by meatpacking companies JBS-Friboi, Minerva, Marfrig and Bertin, imposed a moratorium on buying cattle linked to deforestation in Brazil, where nearly two-thirds of deforested land is used as cattle pasture.

The Guardian

The struggling socialist government of oil-rich Venezuela, where the deforestation rate was the worst last year in South America, is similarly indebted to Beijing.

The Guardian

It has also unleashed a new scramble for oil, minerals and cropland that is accelerating deforestation and fuelling a new wave of land conflicts from Colombia to Chile.

The Guardian

"We can expect to see a surge in Chinese investment in the Amazon in this manner in years to come". Louis Reymondin is the main developer of a satellite imagery programme called Terra-i, which is used by governments and environmental groups to monitor deforestation, and he said the technology offers a dose of optimism.

The Guardian

It has also taken on major corporations and brands on issues such as deforestation, pollution, ocean welfare and more.

The Guardian

The campaign included a video featuring Barbie's long-term boyfriend Ken dumping her when he discovered she was involved in deforestation.

The Guardian

"Since the 2004 peak of 27,000 sq km of forest destroyed, matters have improved with regard to deforestation," he says, when I call him.

The Guardian

I had only a vague first-world notion of "deforestation" and this being bad.

The Guardian

Australian negotiators in Lima have been arguing against an amendment made two years ago in Doha about the exclusion of deforestation from the definition on emissions – a technical fight which could increase the emission reductions Australia needs to make by 2020 by a 2%.

The Guardian

Before the agreement, 40% of JBS-Friboi's direct suppliers were linked to recent deforestation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "deforestation", be specific about the causes (e.g., agriculture, logging) and consequences (e.g., habitat loss, climate change) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "deforestation" when you mean "reforestation". "Deforestation" refers to the clearing of forests, while reforestation is the process of replanting trees to restore a forest.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deforestation" is as a noun, referring to the process of clearing forests. As shown by Ludwig, it is often the subject or object of sentences describing environmental issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "deforestation" is a noun that refers to the process of clearing forests for other uses. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its widespread use in news and media to discuss the causes, impacts, and potential solutions related to forest loss. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. Related terms include "forest clearing" and "habitat loss". When using the term, be specific about causes and consequences. A common error is to confuse "deforestation" with "reforestation", which is the opposite. The high frequency of the term, particularly in reputable news sources such as The Guardian and The Economist, highlights its importance in contemporary environmental discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forest clearing

Focuses on the action of removing trees, similar to deforestation.

tree removal

Highlights the physical removal of trees, a key component of deforestation.

forest destruction

Emphasizes the negative impact and damage caused by deforestation.

habitat loss

Focuses on the ecological consequence of deforestation, emphasizing the destruction of animal habitats.

land degradation

Describes the broader environmental impact of deforestation on soil and land quality.

timber harvesting

Specifically refers to the commercial aspect of tree removal, which can contribute to deforestation.

woodland clearance

Similar to forest clearing, but may refer to smaller areas of woodland.

ecosystem damage

Describes the wider ecological impact resulting from deforestation activities.

environmental devastation

Highlights the severe environmental consequences linked to deforestation.

forest degradation

Suggests a decline in the quality and health of the forest, which can lead to deforestation.

FAQs

How does "deforestation" impact climate change?

"Deforestation" contributes to climate change by reducing the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. Additionally, the burning of forests releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating the problem.

What are the primary causes of "deforestation"?

The main drivers of "deforestation" include agricultural expansion, logging, mining, and urbanization. These activities often lead to the clearing of forests for other land uses.

What can I say instead of "deforestation"?

You can use alternatives like "forest clearing", "forest destruction", or "tree removal" depending on the context.

How is "deforestation" being addressed globally?

Efforts to combat "deforestation" include sustainable forestry practices, conservation initiatives, reforestation projects, and international agreements aimed at protecting forests and promoting responsible land use.