deforestation
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deforestation
The large-scale cutting down and removal of trees and forests, usually in order to use the land for agriculture, settlements, or timber production; also called deforestation.
Die Abholzung des Amazonas-Regenwaldes hat verheerende Folgen für das globale Klima.
The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest has devastating consequences for the global climate.
The noun 'die Abholzung' (deforestation) comes from the separable verb 'abholzen' (to clear-cut). This verb is made up of 'ab-' (away) and 'Holz' (wood). 'Abholzung' therefore describes the process in which the wood (the trees) is removed.
Die Regierung hat Maßnahmen ergriffen, um die Abholzung zu verlangsamen.
The government has taken measures to slow deforestation.
'Abholzung' (deforestation) is often used in the context of the environment and climate. Common combinations are 'die Abholzung des Regenwaldes' (the deforestation of the rainforest), 'illegale Abholzung' (illegal deforestation), or 'die Abholzung stoppen/bekämpfen' (to stop/combat deforestation).
Umweltschützer kämpfen gegen die illegale Abholzung der Wälder.
Environmentalists are fighting against the illegal deforestation of forests.
This word is used almost exclusively in the context of the environment, climate, and geography. It has a strongly negative connotation and describes a human-made problem.
In der Schule sprachen wir über die Folgen der globalen Abholzung.
At school, we talked about the consequences of global deforestation.
clearing / deforestation
'die Abholzung' and 'die Rodung' both describe trees being removed from an area. 'Abholzung' is often used when talking about forests on a large scale and about environmental problems. The word emphasizes cutting down and removing the trees. 'Rodung' also means the removal of trees and bushes, often so that the land can be used differently afterward, for example for fields or construction projects. In addition, 'Rodung' can also refer to the open area itself. The words are easy to confuse, but 'Abholzung' sounds more like environmental destruction, while 'Rodung' sounds more like clearing a specific area.
In der Schule spricht Nina über die Abholzung des Regenwaldes.
At school, Nina talks about the deforestation of the rainforest.
Nach der Rodung soll auf dem Gelände ein neues Wohnhaus entstehen.
After the clearing, a new residential building is supposed to be built on the site.