Fragile Environments Vocabulary (not completed)

desertification

the gradual transformation of habitable land into desert; is usually caused by climate change or by destructive use of the land

deforestation

the state of being clear of trees

soil erosion

the washing away of soil by the flow of water

overgrazing

when lots of cattle, livestock, animals eat vegetation to a point the vegetation cannot recover

over-cultivation

the continuous use of a land badly

What population growth does (is)...

put more pressure on the government for food to grow

Migration puts...

increased pressure on the local government of a new place

Some causes of deforestation...

commercial logging, road building, farming land, mining, agriculture, HEP

some consequences of deforestation...

loss of biodiversity, helps in intensifying greenhouse gases

reforestation

the restoration of a forest that had been reduced by fire or cutting

afforestation

trees planted near water for less water discharge

biodiversity

the diversity of plant and animal life in a particular habitat

hydroelectric power

the production of electricity by waterpower usually turbines in dams

slash and burn

a technique of cutting down trees

leaching

downward movement of minerals in soil