Today the Union of Concerned Scientists is releasing a new, comprehensive report on the drivers of deforestation: The Root of the Problem – What’s Driving Tropical Deforestation Today? We’re releasing the report at the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation’s annual meeting in Arusha, Tanzania today. If you’re here – stop by the UCS booth to get a copy.
The full report, executive summary, and chapters on specific drivers can be found online at www.ucsusa.org/whatsdrivingdeforestation. We hope you will find the report both interesting and informative. Please do share the report with your colleagues and students. The Root of the Problem What's Driving Tropical Deforestation Today? Deforestation and forest degradation have been occurring for thousands of years. But why? And what are the causes of these changes—the “drivers” of deforestation? In this report, the Union of Concerned Scientists explains these drivers and shows that they have changed fundamentally in the twenty- first century. For many years, tropical deforestation was attributed to expanding populations of subsistence farmers cutting down the forest for small-scale agriculture and firewood. But many recent scientific studies show that large, commercial agriculture and timber enterprises are the principal agents of tropical deforestation, which is responsible for about 15 percent of global warming pollution worldwide. The drivers of deforestation differ by region: soy and cattle are key in South America while timber, paper, and palm oil are more important in Southeast Asia. The demand for these products is global and originates primarily in urban areas. Recent actions to deal with some of the drivers of deforestation, such as pressure to change the soybean industry in Brazil, have proven successful, showing how deforestation can be slowed—and even stopped—in the next few decades. Read more at www.ucsusa.org/whatsdrivingdeforestation Best, Sarah Sarah Roquemore Outreach Coordinator Tropical Forest & Climate Initiative Union of Concerned Scientists 1825 K Street NW Suite 800 Washington DC 20006-1232 Direct Line: 202-331-5669 Fax: 202-223-6162 www.ucsusa.org/forests Founded in 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists is an independent, science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. www.ucsusa.org Join our citizen action network or expert network. Support our work. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
