By Abbas Nazil
A recent poll conducted by NatureNews Africa across its social media platforms has revealed that climate change is seen as the most significant impact of deforestation.
The survey, which ran simultaneously on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, asked participants to identify what they believed to be the biggest consequence of deforestation.
Out of all the responses, 46 percent chose climate change, showing widespread concern about the link between deforestation and rising global temperatures.
Another 28 percent of respondents highlighted soil erosion as the major impact, reflecting awareness of the role forests play in holding soil together and preventing land degradation.
Meanwhile, 26 percent identified the loss of wildlife as the most pressing consequence, pointing to the critical role forests serve as habitats for countless species.
Interestingly, none of the participants selected reduced rainfall as the biggest effect, despite deforestation being widely known to disrupt weather patterns and water cycles.
NatureNews Africa, which focuses on environmental reporting and advocacy, noted that the results reflect growing public consciousness about the interconnectedness of forests, climate, and ecosystems.
The platform also stands by the poll outcome, emphasizing that while deforestation contributes to multiple environmental challenges, the findings clearly show that the majority of people recognize climate change as the most far-reaching consequence.
This public perception aligns with global scientific consensus that deforestation significantly accelerates greenhouse gas emissions and worsens the climate crisis.
By underscoring these results, NatureNews Africa reinforces its commitment to amplifying environmental voices and raising awareness on urgent ecological issues across Africa and beyond.
