What is the term for the process of removing trees faster than they can be replaced?

Deforestation is the term used to describe the process of removing trees at a rate that exceeds their natural replacement. This phenomenon can have significant ecological consequences, including loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, and increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere due to reduced photosynthesis. Deforestation often results from human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and logging. In contrast, the other terms listed refer to different processes: drought relates to prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, reforestation refers to the act of planting trees in a deforested area to restore it, and afforestation involves creating forests in areas that were not previously forested. Understanding these concepts is vital for appreciating the impacts of tree removal on ecosystems and climate.