Global rainforest loss continues at rate of 10 football pitches a minute

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the continued destruction of the world's most pristine rainforests in 2023, despite some progress in reducing deforestation in the Brazilian and Colombian Amazon. It provides an overview of the key findings, including:

• An area nearly the size of Switzerland was cleared from previously undisturbed rainforests in 2023, totaling 37,000 sq km (14,200 sq miles).
• While Brazil and Colombia recorded large drops in forest loss, these were offset by increases in other countries like Bolivia, Laos, and Nicaragua.
• Canada also experienced a record-breaking loss of forest due to fire, losing more than 8m hectares (20m acres).
• Deforestation is the second-largest source of greenhouse-gas emissions and a main driver of biodiversity loss, making it essential to limit global heating to 1.5°C.
• Governments have agreed to halt and reverse the loss and degradation of forests by 2030, but the world is still far from meeting this target.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Deforestation Trends in 2023

1. What were the key findings regarding global deforestation in 2023?

• An area nearly the size of Switzerland (37,000 sq km or 14,200 sq miles) was cleared from previously undisturbed rainforests in 2023.
• This represents a rate of 10 football pitches per minute, often driven by more land being brought under agricultural cultivation.
• While Brazil and Colombia recorded large drops in forest loss (36% and 49% respectively), these declines were offset by increases in other countries like Bolivia, Laos, and Nicaragua.
• Canada also experienced a record-breaking loss of forest due to fire, losing more than 8m hectares (20m acres).

2. Which countries were the top contributors to global deforestation in 2023?

• The top three countries for losing primary rainforest were Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bolivia, accounting for more than half of the total global destruction.
• Bolivia recorded a major surge in forest loss for the third consecutive year, driven largely by the expansion of soya farming.
• Laos and Nicaragua also lost major chunks of their remaining untouched rainforest in 2023, with 1.9% and 4.2% of their forests cleared respectively.

3. What factors were driving deforestation in different countries?

• In Brazil and Colombia, progress was made due to the environmental policies of presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Gustavo Petro.
• In Bolivia, the expansion of soya farming was a major driver of deforestation.
• In Laos, agricultural expansion fueled by demand from China for commodities was a key factor.
• In Nicaragua, cattle ranching and expanding agriculture were to blame for the loss of rainforest.

[02] Implications and Solutions

1. What are the implications of continued deforestation?

• Changes in land use, including deforestation, is the second-largest source of greenhouse-gas emissions and a main driver of biodiversity loss.
• Preserving rainforests is essential to limit global heating to 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial levels.
• Experts have warned that continuing deforestation means governments are dangerously off-track when it comes to meeting their climate and biodiversity commitments.

2. What potential solutions were discussed in the article?

• Researchers suggest that the only way to maintain standing forests is through a compensation fund for conserving rainforests, such as the "Fair Deal" proposed by Germany or Norway's engagement with Gabon.
• This approach, coupled with robust governance and civil society engagement, could help countries meet deforestation targets.
• The article also highlights the examples of Brazil and Colombia, where progress was made under the environmental policies of their presidents, as potential models for other countries to follow.