Mapping the deforestation footprint of nations reveals
growing threat to tropical forests
by Hoang & Kanemoto, 29 March 2021, Nature
[Abstract]
Deforestation, a significant threat to biodiversity, is
accelerated by global demand for commodities. Although prior
literature has linked deforestation to global supply chains,
here we provide a fine-scale representation of spatial patterns
of deforestation associated with international trade. Using
remote sensing data and a multi-region input€“output model,
we quantify and map the spatiotemporal changes in global
deforestation footprints over 15 years (2001€“2015) at a 30-m
resolution. We find that, while many developed countries,
China and India have obtained net forest gains domestically,
they have also increased the deforestation embodied in their
imports, of which tropical forests are the most threatened
biome. Consumption patterns of G7 countries drive an average
loss of 3.9 trees per person per year. Some of the hotspots of
deforestation embodied in int'l trade are also biodiversity
hotspots, such as in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, Liberia,
Central America and the Amazonian rainforest. Our results
emphasize the need to reform zero-deforestation policies thru
strong transnational efforts and by improving supply chain
transparency, public€“private engagement and financial support
for the tropics.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-021-01417-z