Deforestation is the permanent removal of forests, usually to convert the land into farms, ranches, cities, or roads. When a forest is cut down and not allowed to grow back, that's deforestation.

Forests cover about 30% of Earth's land. Every year, a large area of forest is destroyed, mostly to create farmland for cattle grazing or crops. The Amazon rainforest in South America has lost about 17% of its original size, while other forests in Southeast Asia and Africa face similar threats.

Forests act like enormous air filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They're also home to many land animals and plants. When forests disappear, these species lose their homes, and the planet loses a defense against climate change.

Deforestation happens in several ways. Sometimes people practice slash-and-burn agriculture, cutting down trees and burning them to clear land quickly. Other times, logging companies harvest valuable timber like mahogany or teak.

The opposite of deforestation is reforestation, which means planting trees to restore forests that were cut down. Many conservation organizations work to slow deforestation and protect remaining forests, understanding that once these ecosystems vanish, they can take centuries to return.