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US Forests Vanishing: 10 Million Acres Lost Since 1990
31 Oct
Summary
- Nearly 10 million acres of US forest permanently lost between 1990-2017.
- Development and cropland expansion are the primary drivers of forest loss.
- Southern states bear the heaviest burden, with six states causing half the loss.
New research reveals that the United States permanently lost nearly 10 million acres of forest between 1990 and 2017. This deforestation occurred at a significant pace, with an area equivalent to a football field lost every two minutes.
The analysis, conducted by researchers at Clark University, focused on permanent forest loss driven by development and cropland expansion. These two factors account for the vast majority of cleared land, with cropland expansion being particularly widespread.
Development-driven loss is concentrated around urban areas, while cropland expansion is more dispersed but accounts for roughly half of all forest loss nationwide. Rates of loss have reportedly begun to increase again following a decline after the 2008 recession.
Six states—Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Arkansas, and Alabama—are responsible for half of all forest conversion. This loss not only impacts land conservation efforts but also contributes to climate change, committing an estimated 2.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent to the atmosphere.
Future research aims to extend forest loss tracking through 2024, potentially incorporating an early warning system for recent conversions. The findings are intended to inform land trusts, state climate strategies, and carbon offset markets.
