How is deforestation affecting the Congo rainforest?
The deforestation destroys the biological diversity in the Congo Basin forest. Specifically, 60 percent of the forest elephant population drops due to the loss of shelter caused by illegal logging.
Is there deforestation in the Congo rainforest?
Unsustainable and illegal logging in the Congo Basin forest — by both big and small companies — is leading to deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitat, diminished resilience to climate change, and damaging local communities.
How much of the Congo has been deforested?
Democratic Republic of the Congo Deforestation Rates & Statistics | GFW. In 2010, Democratic Republic of the Congo had 198Mha of natural forest, extending over 85% of its land area. In 2020, it lost 1.31Mha of natural forest, equivalent to 854Mt of CO₂ of emissions.
What percent of the Congo rainforest has been destroyed?
The study also reveals that the majority – 60 percent – of Congo deforestation between 2000 and 2014 happened in primary forests and woodlands, and in mature secondary forests. The United Nations projects that there will be a fivefold increase in human population in the Congo Basin by the end of the century.
How has the Congo rainforest changed over time?
Dry season in the Congo rain forest, the second largest in the world, has been growing longer for the past 25 years, according to a recent study. Across the basin, the dry season has grown by an average of about 6–10 days every decade, and the rate may have sped up in recent years.
How is the Congo rainforest under threat?
A major report on the Congo Basin has found the world’s “second lung” is struggling to maintain its rich biodiversity amid deforestation, poaching and the worsening effects of climate change.
What is the main cause of deforestation in the Congo rainforest?
The biggest drivers of deforestation in the Congo rainforest over the past 20 years have been small-scale subsistence agriculture, clearing for charcoal and fuelwood, urban expansion, and mining. Industrial logging has been the biggest driver of forest degradation.
What is being done to stop deforestation in Congo?
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has just launched a campaign to combat deforestation. One of the alternatives it proposes is butanisation (domestic use of gas).
What effects does deforestation have?
The loss of trees and other vegetation can cause climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and a host of problems for indigenous people.
Why does Congo have deforestation?
Most of the deforestation in the Congo is caused by local subsistence activities by poor farmers and villagers who rely on forest lands for agriculture and fuelwood collection. Slash-and-burn is commonly used for clearing forest.
Why has deforestation occurred in Congo?
Why is there deforestation in the Congo?
Slash-and-burn agriculture, commercial farming and the development of infrastructure to open up the forest zones together with the construction of secondary agricultural roads are the main causes of deforestation. Other reasons include urban expansion due to the rural exodus and population growth.