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- A study conducted by Global forest watch has revealed that climate change has destroyed about 12 million hectares of tropical forests in 2018. The research was led by US-based World Resources Institute.
- Global Forest Watch is an online forest monitoring and alert system. It seeks to empower people globally to better manage forests.
- The study has reported that nearly 25% of tropical tree cover loss took place in Brazil alone, while Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia accounted for 10% each. High levels of deforestation was also recorded in Malaysia and Madagascar.
- The study has also noted ne deforestation hotspots particularly in Africa, where illegal mining, small-scale forest clearing and the expansion of cocoa farms led to an increase in tree loss. Examples: Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
- For the first time, researchers had also calculate the loss of undisturbed natural rainforest using satellite data. The highest loss has been accounted in Brazil followed by DR> Congo, Indonesia, Colombia and Bolivia.
- However, on a positive note, the study has highlighted that the primary forest loss in Indonesia has slowed down for the second year in running, dropping by 63% compared to 2017. This is primarily after the government has imposed a prohibition on forest clearing.
- The study has highlighted the paramount importance of forest cover- a) help regulate weather patterns, b) prevent flooding and erosion, c) provide food, water and shelter, d) provides oxygen, e) absorbs 30% of global man-made greenhouse gas emissions and f) oceans aside, have the greatest biodiversity on the planet.
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