Top 10 countries with the highest deforestation rates

04:28 PM May 01, 2023 IST | Ground Report

Deforestation is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today. Trees are vital to the health of our planet, and their loss contributes to climate change, soil erosion, and the extinction of numerous plant and animal species.

The latest data shows that deforestation rates continue to rise, particularly in developing countries where forests are cleared for agriculture, urbanization, and other purposes.

Deforestation Rates by Country

Rank	Country	Continent	Average deforestation (hectares) between 2015-2020
1	Brazil	South America	1,695,700
2	India	Asia	668,400
3	Indonesia	Asia	650,000
4	Tanzania	Africa	474,000
5	Australia	Oceania	416,840
6	Myanmar	Asia	293,920
7	Paraguay	South America	279,340
8	Mozambique	Africa	267,030
9	Sudan	Africa	264,000
10	Bolivia	South America	242,540

The high rates of deforestation in these countries have significant environmental and social impacts, including climate change, soil erosion, and the loss of biodiversity.

To address this critical issue, it is essential to implement sustainable forest management practices, protect forested areas, and promote reforestation and afforestation programs.

Brazil

Brazil has the highest deforestation rate in the world, losing an average of 1,281,100 hectares of forest per year. The primary cause of deforestation in Brazil is agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and soybean farming. Illegal logging and mining activities also contribute to forest loss.

India

India has the second-highest deforestation rate, losing an average of 668,400 hectares of forest per year. Deforestation in India is driven by a growing population, industrialization, urbanization, and the timber industry.

Indonesia

Indonesia ranks third in the world for deforestation, losing an average of 336,100 hectares of forest per year. Deforestation in Indonesia is primarily caused by palm oil plantations, which have expanded rapidly in recent years.

Tanzania

Tanzania loses 474,000 hectares of forest in last 5 years. Deforestation in Tanzania is driven by agriculture and logging for timber.

Australia

Deforestation in Australia has been a significant environmental issue for many years. The main causes of deforestation in Australia include land clearing for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.

Myanmar

Myanmar loses 293,920 hectares of forest in the last 5 years. Deforestation in Myanmar is mainly driven by logging for timber and conversion to agriculture.

Paraguay

Paraguay has the tenth-highest deforestation rate, losing an average of 123,700 hectares of forest per year. Deforestation in Paraguay is primarily caused by agriculture, particularly soybean farming.

Mozambique

Mozambique is one of the countries in Africa that has experienced high rates of deforestation in recent years. The main causes of deforestation in Mozambique include agriculture expansion, logging, mining, and urbanization.

According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mozambique lost 4.8 million hectares of forest between 1990 and 2020, representing a 19.5% decline in forest cover.

Sudan

Deforestation in Sudan is a significant environmental issue, with the country experiencing a high rate of forest loss in recent years. The primary causes of deforestation in Sudan include agricultural expansion, fuelwood collection, and infrastructure development.

Bolivia

Deforestation is a major environmental issue in Bolivia, with the country losing a significant portion of its forest cover in recent decades. The primary causes of deforestation in Bolivia include agricultural expansion, logging, and mining.