deforestation
(noun)
/UK /diːˌfɒr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən/ US /diːˌfɔːr.əˈsteɪ.ʃən
The cutting down of trees in a large area, or the destruction of forests by people
Examples. • Deforestation is destroying large areas of tropical rain forest
• Some parts of tropical America have seen over 70% deforestation
• Deforestation has been shown to cause floods and drought