International trade in other products influences more than agriculture on forest loss

Etxebeste Aduriz, Egoitz

Elhuyar Zientzia

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Ed. Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock

The loss of intact forests is due not only to agriculture but also to the production and consumption of non-agricultural products, such as minerals, metals and wood-related products. In fact, a study published in One Earth magazine estimated that 60% of the loss of intact forests is due to the consumption of these non-agricultural products.

Intact forests have greater biodiversity, are more resistant to fires and natural disasters and can retain up to three times more carbon per hectare than processed forests. However, its disappearance is taking place at a high speed and is often attributed to the creation of new agricultural soils. However, this study shows that other products intended for international trade also have a major impact. You have seen, for example, that one third of forest losses are related to exports from Russia, Canada and tropical areas, China, Europe and the United States. And export-linked forestry use - 51% of the losses are related to wood and mining and 26% to energy extraction.

 

Babesleak
Eusko Jaurlaritzako Industria, Merkataritza eta Turismo Saila