ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF FOREST DEGRADATION

Abstract

This study explores information on forest regions located all over the world, as well as the characteristics of those forest that have been destroyed because of deforestation. The forest percentage to land ratio fell by 2.54 percent in 2012 compared to 1990. The regions of Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa had the most significant declines. A small increase was observed in North America, Europe, and portions of Asia. Countries with high-income levels, as opposed to nations with medium and low-income levels, are less likely to see a fall. From 1900 to 2012, the percentage of forestry products’ production in a country's GDP has constantly dropped. The data also reveals a consistent upward trend in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2012 across all areas. With an R squared of 83%, the regression demonstrates an association between decreased forest area percentage on land and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The data analysis reveals that, while forest usage for economic purposes has reduced in comparison to other activities, deforestation continues to have negative externalities in the form of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. The trend indicates that clearcutting will be consistent in the future. As a result, effective strategies to minimize deforestation are required.