degradation

Deforestation leads to severe soil degradation, making it impossible to grow crops in the area.

(Chinese) 砍伐森林导致严重的土壤退化，使得该地区无法种植农作物。

Environmental scientists are studying the degradation of plastics in the ocean over several decades.

(Chinese) 环境科学家正在研究海洋中塑料在几十年间的降解情况。