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Deforestation
Deforestation is the loss or destruction of naturally-occurring forests,
primarily due to human activities such as logging, cutting trees for fuel,
agriculture and urban development. It is problematic because it leads to
the extinction of many irreplaceable species and contributes to global warming.
 In many developing world countries deforestation has made
firewood and other biomass fuel scarce. Women and children in many parts of the
world spend hours each day collecting firewood for
cooking. At worst, in war zones and outside refugee camps, women and girls are
targets for assault as they venture far beyond the safety of their villages. At
best, it is a physically exhausting trip and time spent away from the home, from
educational study, from play or income-generating efforts to improve the
family’s position. Alternatively, families may decide to purchase their
firewood or other biomass
fuel. Families spend between 7-15% of their annual household income exclusively
on energy costs. By reducing the quantity of firewood needed for cooking,
families have increased time, money, and choices about how to improve their
lives.
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that about 25% of Nepal is
forested. Between 1990 and 2005, Nepal lost 24.5% of its forest cover; the
rate of deforestation is about 1.35% per year. A primary reason for this
deforestation is the use of wood for fuel and the lack of alternatives such as
more fuel-efficient cook stoves.
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