Deforestation and Land Use
What Is Land Use?
Land use refers to how humans use land to meet their needs – for farming, building, industry, and waste disposal.
💡 Key Concept: Changes to land use can reduce biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems.
What Is Deforestation?
Deforestation is the removal of forests, usually to make space for:
- Agriculture (e.g. cattle grazing, palm oil plantations)
- Timber for fuel, paper, and building
- Urban development
Effects of Deforestation
Impact | Explanation |
🌿 Reduced biodiversity | Loss of habitats = fewer species survive |
💨 More CO₂ in the atmosphere | Fewer trees to absorb CO₂ via photosynthesis |
🔥 CO₂ released | Burning trees adds CO₂ (contributing to global warming) |
🪱 Disrupted food webs | Loss of producers affects all organisms in the chain |
🌧️ Changes in rainfall | Forests help regulate the water cycle |
Other Human Land Use Impacts
🔹 Peat Bogs and Peatlands
✔ Peat is made of partially decayed plants – it’s a carbon store.
✔ When peat is drained or burned, carbon dioxide is released.
💡 Destroying peatlands reduces biodiversity and adds to climate change.
🔹 Farming and Agriculture
✔ Clearing land for crops or livestock reduces natural habitats.
✔ Use of fertilisers and pesticides can pollute waterways and soil.
✔ Monoculture (growing one crop) lowers biodiversity.
🔹 Building and Infrastructure
✔ Expands urban areas, replacing natural ecosystems with roads, houses, and factories.
✔ Increases land, air, and noise pollution.
Managing Land Use Sustainably
✔ Replanting trees (afforestation)
✔ Protecting peatlands
✔ Using sustainable farming methods
✔ Creating nature reserves and conservation areas
✔ Promoting recycling and efficient land use
Questions
- What is deforestation?
- Name two reasons why forests are cut down.
- How does deforestation affect the carbon cycle?
- What is peat, and why is it important?
- Give one way to reduce land use impact on ecosystems.
Summary
- Deforestation and land use reduce biodiversity and increase carbon emissions.
- Peatlands, forests, and natural habitats are being lost to human activities.
- Sustainable practices are needed to protect ecosystems and reduce environmental damage.