What demographic issue is Deforestation primarily linked to?

Deforestation is primarily linked to population growth because as the population increases, there is an escalating demand for land to accommodate housing, agriculture, and infrastructure development. This growing demand often leads to the clearing of forests to create space for these needs, resulting in significant loss of forested areas. Furthermore, increased population generally correlates with higher consumption rates of resources such as timber and land, exacerbating the pressures on forest ecosystems.

While urban migration can contribute to changes in land use patterns, it is the overall increase in population that drives the greatest impact on deforestation. Technological advancements can have varying effects on land use, and while they can lead to more efficient agricultural practices, they may also facilitate the expansion of agricultural land at the expense of forests. The decrease in agricultural land itself may sometimes be a consequence of deforestation rather than a direct cause. Thus, population growth serves as the most direct demographic driver of deforestation, linking demand to land use changes that threaten forest ecosystems.