Deforestation (AQA GCSE Geography)

Revision Note

Bridgette Barrett

Written by: Bridgette Barrett

Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn

Changing Rates of Deforestation

  • Deforestation is the felling and clearance of trees

  • Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bolivia and Indonesia are experiencing the highest levels of deforestation in the world

World map depicting annual deforestation in 2015 by country, with various shades of red indicating different levels of deforestation from 10,000 to 1 million hectares.
Choropleth map showing annual rates of deforestation in 2015
  • Rates of deforestation steadily increased from 2001 to 2016

  • Since 2016 there has been a slight decrease in deforestation of tropical forests

Bar graph showing annual tropical figures from 2001 to 2020 in green bars, with a yellow dashed line representing the 3-year average trend.
Annual rates of deforestation

Worked Example

Study Figure 1, a graph showing global forest loss from 2011 to 2017

Bar chart showing global forest loss in million hectares from 2011 to 2017, with values increasing from 17.5 in 2011 to a peak of 29.7 in 2016, then slightly decreasing to 29.4 in 2017.

Using figure 1, calculate the mean global forest loss from 2011 to 2017. Give your answer to one decimal place.

[1 mark] 

  • When asked to make a calculation and give the answer to one decimal place it is essential that you remember to do this or you will not gain the mark

Answer:

  • 23.4 million hectares [1]

Examiner Tip

When giving an answer to one decimal point you will need to round the number up or down. Remember if the second digit after the decimal point is 4 or less you round down. If the second digit is 5 or more you round up. For example,

  • 23.3714 would become 23.4 because the second digit after the decimal point is 7

  • 23.3314 would become 23.3 because the second digit after the decimal point is 3

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Bridgette Barrett

Author: Bridgette Barrett

Expertise: Geography Lead

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

Jenna Quinn

Author: Jenna Quinn

Expertise: Head of New Subjects

Jenna studied at Cardiff University before training to become a science teacher at the University of Bath specialising in Biology (although she loves teaching all three sciences at GCSE level!). Teaching is her passion, and with 10 years experience teaching across a wide range of specifications – from GCSE and A Level Biology in the UK to IGCSE and IB Biology internationally – she knows what is required to pass those Biology exams.