Urban growth, farm exports drive tropical deforestation

PhysOrg – The biggest causes of deforestation in tropical countries are population growth in cities and agricultural exports, a finding that should shape decisions on preventing forest loss, experts said. A common theory is that pressure on forests can be eased by reducing the population in rural areas, or discouraging rural people from clearing land for fuel or food for their own use. The study, led by Ruth DeFries of New York’s Columbia University, looked at satellite data for forest loss in 41 countries from 2000 to 2005 and matched this against a host of other factors. Two much bigger causes accelerated forest loss, they found. Read Article

Tags: deforestation, food & agriculture