The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The catchment is where rain water initially falls. This water then flows to a river. One consequence of deforestation is soil erosion, which results in the loss of protective soil cover and the water-holding capacity of the soil. The main causes are farming, logging, cattle ranching, development projects and population growth.
Massive deforestation leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
This is usually caused by overgrazing, drought and changing climate. When they are all used they can not be replaced. 544 million hectares is about two-thirds of the size of Australia. Land degradation is caused by overcropping, overgrazing and using farming methods that make the land less fertile. An environmental refugee leaves his country because he cannot survive given conditions on the land.