Rising Deforestation in the Congo Basin Sparks Environmental Concerns

Rising Deforestation in the Congo Basin Sparks Environmental Concerns

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), home to the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world, is facing a significant challenge with deforestation. Over the past two decades, the DRC has experienced a net loss of approximately 6 million hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 3.55% decrease in its forest area. This loss is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, responsible for over 98% of the total tree cover loss.

The impact of this deforestation is profound, not only on biodiversity and habitat loss but also on carbon emissions. The total gross emissions from tree cover loss have reached staggering levels, contributing to climate change concerns. Urbanization and forestry activities also play a role, albeit significantly smaller compared to agriculture.