Deforestation is the permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands for purposes like agriculture, cattle ranching, and logging. It has resulted in forests covering only 21% of the Earth's land surface today, down from four-fifths of their original area. Deforestation occurs through conversion of forest land to agricultural uses and cash crops, commercial logging, and cutting trees for firewood. It has significant consequences like disrupting the carbon and water cycles and increasing CO2 emissions, potentially altering the global climate. It also contributes to issues like soil erosion, species extinction, and desertification.