The loss of primary rainforests in the tropics increased by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021, as reported by the University of Maryland and Global Forest Watch. Approximately one-fifth of the 16,000 square miles lost was a result of deliberate burning for agriculture or development. The remaining losses were due to fires set by individuals. This data highlights the urgent need to address deforestation and its impact on the environment. (File Photo by Fernando Bizerra Jr./EPA-EFE)
June 27 (UPI) — According to Global Forest Watch, the destruction of tropical rainforests is accelerating, with an area the size of 11 soccer fields lost every minute. This ongoing deforestation releases billions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually, contributing to climate change. A recent report, in collaboration with the University of Maryland, reveals that the primary tropical forest area cut or burned in 2022 increased by 10% compared to 2021, resulting in the emission of 3 billion tons of CO2, equivalent to India’s annual emissions from fossil fuels.
More than 80% of the forest lost is due to factors such as logging for timber, clearing for agriculture, and urban development. The remaining destruction is primarily caused by fires, which are intentionally started by individuals. Brazil and the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced the highest levels of deforestation, with significant increases observed in Ghana and Bolivia. However, Indonesia and Malaysia have managed to maintain relatively low rates of primary forest loss.
This alarming data demonstrates that the world is not meeting its commitments to combat deforestation and protect forests. The COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021 saw 145 countries pledge to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030 to address climate change and biodiversity loss. However, instead of a decline, the trend of primary forest loss is moving in the wrong direction.
In Brazil, the loss of primary forests grew by 15% from 2021 to 2022, reaching 6,834 square miles. The Amazon region experienced the highest level of clear-cut deforestation since 2005, which GFW attributes to the populist policies of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The report highlights the erosion of environmental protections, weakened enforcement agencies, attempts to grant amnesty for illegal deforestation, and efforts to weaken indigenous rights as key contributing factors.
Bolivia witnessed a record 32% increase in forest loss in 2022, reaching 1,050 square miles. The expansion of commodity agriculture, particularly soybean cultivation, is the primary driver of deforestation in the country. Human-set fires accounted for approximately one-third of the forest loss. On the other hand, Indonesia has managed to reduce forest loss, with a decreasing trend since 2015. In 2022, Indonesia lost just over 400 square miles of primary forest, pursuing its goal of achieving negative CO2 emissions from forestry and other land use by 2030 through fire prevention, peatland and mangrove conservation.
Forest loss in Malaysia remained relatively stable at around 270 square miles, thanks to efforts made by corporations and the government. Commitments such as “No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation” cover most of the palm oil sector, and sustainability agreements on palm oil certification have played a role in mitigating forest loss. Other countries that have significantly reduced forest loss in 2022 include Costa Rica, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Vietnam, Gabon, and Madagascar.
