Up to half of tropical forestland cleared for agriculture isn’t put to use, research shows!
- Agriculture is the primary driver of tropical deforestation, accounting for 90% or more of forest loss, yet researchers have found that up to half of total land cleared is not put into active agricultural production.
- The gap between what’s cleared and what’s used for agriculture shows that “we have to fix agriculture and we have to fix deforestation,” according to one of the researchers.
- Tropical deforestation is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, but the research shows there is no simple fix, as humanity’s increasing food needs coincide with the need for conservation.
To reverse the trend of tropical deforestation caused by agriculture, we can implement several strategies:Agroforestry: Encourage farming practices that integrate trees with crops and livestock. This approach helps maintain soil health, provides additional income sources for farmers, and reduces the need for clearing forests for agriculture.Sustainable farming practices: Promote methods such as conservation agriculture, organic farming, and precision agriculture, which prioritize soil conservation, reduce chemical inputs, and optimize land use efficiency.Land-use planning: Develop and enforce land-use policies that protect forests and prioritize sustainable land management practices. This includes zoning regulations, protected area designations, and incentives for sustainable land use.Investment in alternative livelihoods: Support rural communities dependent on agriculture with alternative income opportunities such as eco-tourism, sustainable forestry, and non-timber forest products.Certification programs: Encourage adoption of certification schemes like Rainforest Alliance and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which promote responsible land management practices.Technology and innovation: Invest in research and development of technologies that improve agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact, such as precision farming, drought-resistant crops, and agroecology.Education and awareness: Raise awareness among consumers about the environmental impacts of agriculture and empower them to make informed choices that support sustainable practices.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Geoscience
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Climate Science
- Climate Change