Deforestation

Deforestation involves the destruction or removal of trees and undergrowth in a forested area, which contributes to loss of habitat, increased greenhouse gases, soil erosion, and flooding. For example, the Congo Basin, located in Central Africa, operates like the “lungs” of the planet, absorbing carbon dioxide and creating a habitat for endangered species. It has been a site of much deforestation with negative impacts on biodiversity and the environment as well as on the health and well-being of humans within and beyond the African continent.