Solutions to deforestation: How to create a healthier planet

Deforestation and forest degradation are two of the most urgent environmental crises threatening our planet.

Forests cover approximately 31% of the Earth’s land area, providing essential ecosystems, absorbing carbon dioxide, and supporting biodiversity.

Forests are home to 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity — or most of the world’s land-based animals and plants. They also support the livelihoods of around 1.6 billion people, meaning many people depend on forests for food, shelter, work, and income.

However, human intrusions such as agricultural expansion, illegal logging, and infrastructure development are rapidly depleting forest resources, from tropical forests to the ones at your doorstep.

Addressing deforestation is not just about protecting trees, it’s also about securing a livable planet for future generations and stopping the climate crisis.

Learn about deforestation and what you can do about it in this guide.

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The impact of deforestation and forest degradation

Deforestation disrupts ecosystems, exacerbates climate change, and threatens human livelihoods, among many other significant consequences.

Deforestation contributes to the following critical threats:

Climate change and carbon emissions

Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, helping to regulate the Earth’s temperature. When forests are destroyed, carbon stored in trees is released back into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to global warming.

Furthermore, wood from cut down trees that’s burned or left to rot releases carbon dioxide, creating more harmful emissions.,

Loss of biodiversity

Because forests house most of the world’s terrestrial species, deforestation destroys those habitats, pushing numerous endangered species toward extinction.

The exact number is unknown, but estimates indicate that up to 137 species disappear worldwide each day, according to NASA.

Increased forest fires

Tree cover loss makes landscapes more vulnerable to wildfires. Deforested areas experience drier conditions, increasing the likelihood and intensity of forest fires.

A study by the World Resources Institute notes that forest degradation contributes to fire-prone conditions, particularly in tropical rainforests where deforestation opens up previously moist forest interiors. This makes them more vulnerable to fires.

Additionally, climate change caused by forest loss further intensifies heatwaves and droughts, creating a dangerous feedback loop.

Agricultural expansion and soil degradation

Large-scale agriculture, including cattle ranching and palm oil production, drives deforestation. Without trees to anchor soil, erosion worsens, depleting land fertility and reducing agricultural productivity. This process also increases sedimentation in rivers, harms aquatic ecosystems, and reduces water quality.

Mass agriculture to meet global demand for commodities like soy for palm oil and as feed for cattle is responsible for 73% of tropical deforestation.

When native forests are cleared for croplands, the resulting monocultures degrade biodiversity and fail to replenish essential soil nutrients, leading to long-term productivity loss. Sustainable farming practices are key to preventing deforestation.

Threats to indigenous communities

Many indigenous peoples depend on forests for sustenance, culture, and livelihoods. Deforestation threatens their way of life, displacing communities and reducing their access to vital resources.

According to a study, 36% of intact forests are on indigenous lands. However, these communities often lack legal land tenure, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

When forests are cleared, indigenous peoples lose access to traditional foods, medicines, and spiritual sites. In many cases, violence and human rights violations accompany land grabs by extractive industries and agribusiness, placing both people and ecosystems at risk.

Deforestation solutions and actions you can take

Solving the deforestation problem requires a multifaceted approach, integrating sustainable practices, policy interventions, and public engagement. Everyday citizens can help with the decisions you make every day.

Here are some key deforestation solutions and ways you can support them:

1. Stronger forest protection laws and international agreements

Environmental laws and international agreements are key to stopping deforestation.

Expanding protected areas, implementing anti-logging laws, and introducing policies that discourage illegal deforestation are crucial steps. Financial incentives from the government, such as payments for ecosystem services, can also motivate landowners to preserve forested land. 

You can play an important part in democracy by pushing your national or local government to enforce strict regulations to protect forests. You can help by supporting campaigns that call for stronger forest protections, and contacting your local or national representatives to advocate for better environmental law enforcement and development. 

Staying informed about global agreements, like the UN’s REDD+ program (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), can also help you understand and support international efforts.

2. Reforestation and afforestation

Planting trees to restore deforested areas (reforestation) and creating new forests where none previously existed (afforestation) can help mitigate climate change. These efforts enhance biodiversity and improve carbon sequestration, making them vital solutions to deforestation.

You can support these initiatives by joining local tree-planting events, donating to reforestation programs, or volunteering with community groups focused on land restoration. Look for local conservation organizations, landcare groups, or urban greening projects in your area — they often run regular planting days and habitat restoration activities open to the public.

3. Sustainable land use and agriculture

Transitioning to sustainable farming practices is essential in reducing deforestation. 

Techniques like agroforestry, which weaves trees into farmland, help maintain tree cover while improving crop yields and soil health. Regenerative agriculture goes further by restoring degraded land, improving soil fertility, and increasing the land’s ability to capture carbon.

You can support these practices by choosing products from farmers and brands that use sustainable or regenerative methods. Look for certifications like Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, or Regenerative Organic Certified. 

Additionally, you can get involved locally by supporting farmers’ markets, joining community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, or volunteering with organizations that promote sustainable land stewardship.

4. Economic incentives for conservation

Economic strategies can support forest conservation. Carbon offset programs allow companies to fund reforestation projects in exchange for reducing their carbon footprints. Similarly, payment-for-ecosystem-services initiatives compensate landowners for maintaining forest ecosystems.

As a consumer, you can choose businesses that invest in verified carbon offset programs or contribute directly to reputable forest conservation projects. You can also support policies that expand these programs and encourage local initiatives that reward landowners for protecting natural habitats.

5. Raise awareness and advocate for change

Raising public awareness is essential for building momentum against deforestation. Schools, social media, and environmental organizations all play important roles in educating people about the impacts of deforestation and inspiring action. 

You can help spread the word by sharing resources, organizing talks at your local school, community center, or workplace, and participating in awareness campaigns. 

Starting or supporting petitions is another powerful way to drive change. Well-supported petitions can push governments to strengthen forest protection laws and encourage companies to commit to deforestation-free policies. Change.org makes it easy to mobilize communities and communicate resounding demand for forest conservation.

6. Support indigenous peoples

Indigenous peoples play a crucial role in forest conservation.

Recognizing their land rights and incorporating their knowledge into conservation strategies can significantly reduce deforestation. Indigenous-managed forests often have lower deforestation rates than government-protected areas.

You can support Indigenous communities by backing campaigns that defend their land rights, donating to organizations led by or supporting Indigenous peoples, and amplifying their voices by sharing their stories. Choosing products sourced from Indigenous-owned businesses can also help sustain their stewardship of forest ecosystems.

7. Choose sustainable products and demand sustainable practices

Consumers can make a difference by choosing products certified as sustainable, such as those with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or Rainforest Alliance certifications.

Reducing demand for palm oil and beef linked to deforestation also helps protect forests.

Try to choose second-hand furniture or be mindful of where the wood comes from when you buy furniture or any products made out of wood, such as children’s toys.

Individuals like you can also push corporations to adopt transparent supply chains and commit to sustainable practices. Supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and pressuring companies to adopt responsible policies can lead to systemic change.

8. Reduce your meat consumption

Reducing meat consumption, particularly beef, can significantly lower deforestation rates.

Cattle ranching is the largest driver of deforestation in the Amazon, accounting for a significant amount of deforestation there.

Livestock also require massive quantities of feed, often grown on land cleared of forests.

Shifting toward plant-based diets reduces pressure on land and cuts greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. A comprehensive scientific paper published in 2023 showed that plant diets lead to 75% less climate-heating emissions, water pollution, and land use than meat.

Real deforestation petitions changing the world

Protecting natural resources is at the heart of many petitions on Change.org. The following are only a few examples of the many individuals combating deforestation to defend against long-term environmental threats.

Halt the deforestation and mining of Red Jacket Valley Park

Started on March 5, 2025, this petition led a swift but effective campaign.

The petition aimed to stop deforestation and mining in Red Jacket Valley Park, spotlighting risks to the local community and biodiversity. It gained over 2,500 signatures in a couple of weeks.

The organizer mobilized the public not only to sign the petition, but also to attend a townhall meeting to stop Red Jacket Valley Park from deforestation.

These collective actions built political pressure and brought critical attention to the issue. Ultimately, their campaign succeeded. Only a couple of weeks later, local officials halted the development plans, securing a major win for both the community and the environment.

Oppose Girl Scout’s decision to sell 633 acres of mature forest to developers

In 2021, the Girl Scouts sold 633 acres of mature forest at Camp Kirkwold to developers. This decision did not go down well, and a petition was started to stop the land sale to developers.

The petition highlighted the forest’s role in providing essential ecosystem services, such as sequestering carbon dioxide, and supporting local biodiversity, as well as local communities.

The organizers raised concerns about habitat loss and climate impacts. They kept the petition supporters in the loop using petition updates.

In January 2024, they succeeded, and the forest was protected.

Stop the chop of Stocksdale Park woods

Trees in Stocksdale Park, in Liberty, Missouri, were chopped down by the city to make a frisbee golf course. The tree removal did not end there, even after the completion of the course.

A petition was started to halt further deforestation. Through petition updates, the organizer also planned an event to raise awareness, a hike to see the extent of the damage, and a meeting with the city’s Park and Recreation officials.

Through extensive campaigning, the petition starter and its supporters managed to stop further deforestation in Stocksdale Park.

Demand climate action to halt SDCI’s reckless deforestation

Started by the community organization Tree Action Seattle, this petition seeks to protect Seattle’s trees. The campaign is currently ongoing with over 3,600 signatures in early April 2025.

The organizers are calling for the creation of a new, independent Department of Climate and the Environment, with a focus on preserving Seattle’s urban forest. The detailed petition includes a poll showing that 72% of Seattleites already support this effort.

You can make a difference today

Deforestation is a complex global issue requiring urgent attention. However, by advocating for sustainable land-use practices, enforcing environmental regulations, sustainable development, and raising public awareness, you can help make significant progress.

Every action counts, from supporting ethical businesses to signing petitions.

Protecting forests is not just about conserving nature: it is about securing a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Get started today → learn how to create an environmental petition.