Economics of Deforestation

This book provides a general view about deforestation dynamics around the world, incorporating analyses of its causes, impacts and actions to prevent it.

This book reviews the extent and consequences of deforestation around the world. The book will provide insights on the importance of effective forest planning and management for the sustainable development of forest resources.

The report includes new modelling and analysis of the global economic impact of continued deforestation and shows that the benefits of halving deforestation could amount to $3.7 trillion over the long term. However, if the international community does not act, the global economic cost of climate change caused by deforestation could amount to $12 trillion.

There is no clear-cut causal relationship between international trade, agricultural expansion and tropical deforestation. Academics, policy-makers and the public are all tempted by simplistic solutions to complex problems.