Global Deforestation

This section is intended to collect data on the current status of global deforestation. This is accomplished through the utilization of APIs, databases, news sources, MapBuilders, and academic journals.


Global forest loss map

Credits: University of Maryland, department of geographical sciences.

Results from time-series analysis of Landsat images characterizing forest extent and change.

Trees are defined as vegetation taller than 5m in height and are expressed as a percentage per output grid cell as ‘2000 Percent Tree Cover’. ‘Forest Cover Loss’ is defined as a stand-replacement disturbance, or a change from a forest to non-forest state, during the period 2000–2019. ‘Forest Cover Gain’ is defined as the inverse of loss, or a non-forest to forest change entirely within the period 2000–2012. ‘Forest Loss Year’ is a disaggregation of total ‘Forest Loss’ to annual time scales.

Reference 2000 and 2019 imagery are median observations from a set of quality assessment-passed growing season observations.


News List

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Future food oil choices could determine the fate of global forests

A new study warns that swapping palm oil for other vegetable oils could backfire—leading to more deforestation, higher carbon emissions, and a growing threat to food security. Can sustainable certification schemes offer a better path forward? Study: ... [8773 chars]

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Can sweet dreams be made of these?

Congratulations! You have successfully cast your vote Login to view result Who among us has not enjoyed the transient pleasures of a little sugar? A bite of biscuit, a slice of cake, even the simple act of stirring sugar into a cup of something warm,... [2353 chars]

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Rising Deforestation Crisis in Colombia's Amazon

Colombia saw a significant rise in deforestation, with figures increasing by 35% in 2024, largely driven by the Amazon region, according to Environment Minister Susana Muhamad. The total deforestation spanned 1,070 square kilometers last year, a mark... [913 chars]

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Colombia Faces Alarming Deforestation Surge in 2024

Colombia witnessed a significant surge in deforestation in 2024, with figures showing an increase of 35% compared to the previous year. According to Environment Minister Susana Muhamad, 1,070 square kilometers of forest were lost in the country, infa... [566 chars]

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Brazil to join OPEC+ as oil giant, fueling climate debate ahead of COP30

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva began his third term in 2023 touting himself as an environmental defender, and has worked to reduce deforestation in the Amazon rainforest and to protect Indigenous rights. But he has also argued that new oil reven... [2676 chars]

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Colombia deforestation in 2024 among lowest levels in 23 years, minister says

Open this photo in gallery: Colombia's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Susana Muhamad holds a press conference during the COP29 United Nations climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November, 2024.Murad Sezer/Reuters De... [1915 chars]

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Need to expand use of space-based tech to mitigate climate change, disease outbreaks and disaster: study

With Earth becoming a hotter place owing to climate change, information about land surface temperature, vegetation and precipitation could be crucial in tackling vector-borne diseases or outbreaks, including pandemics like Covid, the researchers said... [758 chars]

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Indonesia deforestation rises again in 2024

(UPDATE) BANGKOK — Deforestation in Indonesia grew again last year, a local environmental NGO said Friday based on satellite image analysis and fieldwork. Indonesia has one of the world's highest rates of deforestation, with key drivers including tim... [2632 chars]

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Indonesia deforestation rises for third year running: NGO

Deforestation in Indonesia rose in 2024 for a third year running, a local environmental NGO said Friday based on satellite image analysis and fieldwork. Indonesia has one of the world's highest rates of deforestation, with key drivers including timbe... [3596 chars]

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Can Singapore get to zero food waste? Yes, but go easy on the buffet

Nothing quite says excess like the corporate feasting during the Christmas and Chinese New Year festive period. PHOTO: PIXABAY I always feel a bit guilty tucking into a lavish buffet. The sheer abundance and variety of food, continuously topped up, i... [283 chars]

News API sources: NewsCatcher & GNews