Deforestation: What is it exactly?

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Deforestation is something people hear about all the time. They hear about it on the news. They hear about it in news papers. They hear about it in nature documentaries. People will say, "they're cutting down all the trees!" or "deforestation is taking over the amazon!" However most people do not actually understand what deforestation is exactly. People do not often stop to ask, why are people cutting down so many trees at one time? Surely it can't be for the mere fun and excitement of it. According to an article on the National Geographic website, there are many reasons that deforestation is occuring in our world today such as agriculture, and construction for new homes. 

Most people who work for companies that cut down trees in the rainforest do it because they have to. A lot of the time it is because people need "money or to provide for their families". However, "the biggest driver of deforestation is agriculture."(National Geographic) Farmers need to cut down these trees in order to clear the land for crops so they can sell them to make money in order to provide for their families. They clear the land in a way known as "Slash and Burn"(National Geographic) agriculture. Slash and burn agriculture is when existing vegetation is cut down and burned off before new seeds are planted. 

However, not all deforestation is intentional. Yes, a lot of it is due to companies tearing and chopping down trees to make space for peoples homes and crops. However, "not all deforestation is intentional. Some of it is caused by a combination of human and natural factors like wildfires and subsequent overgrazing, which may prevent the growth of young trees."(National Geographic)  What many people neglect to understand is that while deforestation is a major problem that is caused by companies who are solely interested in making a quick buck, there is no one person(s) to blame for the loss of so many trees.