Deforestation is the clearing or removal of forests. It happens when trees are cut down or land is changed for other uses. Deforestation occurs in many regions.

Large areas of forest, such as parts of the Amazon rainforest, have been cleared for farming, logging, or building. The amount of forest lost is often measured in hectares each year. Forest areas can change over time as land use changes.

Deforestation is studied in environmental science. It is tracked using satellite images and land measurements.