The leading cause of environmental destruction today is deforestation, or the large-scale cutting down of trees without proper reforestation. When forests are destroyed, animals lose their natural habitat, biodiversity declines, and ecosystems are disrupted. It also leads to soil erosion, which reduces the fertility of land and causes rivers to be clogged with sediments. Furthermore, deforestation contributes to flooding because there are fewer trees to absorb rainwater, and it worsens climate change since fewer trees are available to absorb carbon dioxide. Other major causes include pollution, overpopulation, and industrial waste. However, deforestation remains the most damaging because it directly weakens the Earth’s natural ability to recover and sustain life. Protecting forests is crucial to maintaining balance in the environment and ensuring resources for future generations.