Global dataset shows Indian deforestation drivers

A new global dataset developed by the World Resources institute (WRI), Google Deep Mind and The Sustainability Consortium determines the reasons for forest loss at one-kilometre spatial resolution, as highlighted by aMongabay-India(M|) report.

- Meena Janardhan

For Asia, the analysis reveals that wildfires were the dominant drivers at 65.48 followed by logging at 26.38 and permanent agriculture at 2.58.

The WRI Global Forest Watch (GFW) interactive map reveals that between 2001 and 2024, 298 of tree cover loss in India resulted in deforestation, with permanent agriculture, hard commodities, and settlements and infrastructure being the dominant drivers. The map also reveals that the resulting emissions were about I5 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. When zoomed in, similar results can also be obtained for forests at the state and district-level.

However, for India, researchers point out that satellite-based mapping tools must be used along with additional field observations and biophysical data for a comprehensive understanding of deforestation drivers. They warn that this data must be used with caution and that in India the one km spatial resolution is not sufficient for a thorough analysis as India has several small patches of forest land. Therefore, satellite-based mapping tools must be used along with additional field observations and biophysical data for a comprehensive understanding of deforestation drivers.