What is deforestation and what parts of the world are experiencing the greatest forest losses? What percentage of the world’s old-growth forests has been eliminated? List some major harmful...

What is deforestation and what parts of the world are experiencing the greatest forest losses? What percentage of the world’s old-growth forests has been eliminated? List some major harmful environmental effects of deforestation. Describe China’s reforestation program. Summarize the story of reforestation in the United States. What ecological roles do large trees play and why have they declined in parts of the world? Explain how increased reliance on tree plantations can reduce overall forest biodiversity and degrade forest topsoil. Summarize the trends in tropical deforestation. Explain how widespread tropical deforestation can convert a tropical forest to tropical grassland (savanna). What percentage of the world’s remaining old-growth tropical forests is likely to be gone or degraded by the end of this century? Describe the loss of rainforest in Indonesia. What are the key underlying or direct causes and the indirect causes of tropical deforestation? Describe the typical cycle of use and destruction for an area of tropical forest.