Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Tropical deforestation is a significant environmental issue driven by various factors, including urban growth and the demand for farm exports. This research project aims to investigate the relationship between urban expansion, agricultural activities for export, and the consequent deforestation in tropical regions. The study will utilize remote sensing data and geographic information systems to analyze land cover changes over a specific period in selected tropical areas. By examining the spatial patterns of urban growth and agricultural expansion, the research aims to identify the key drivers of deforestation in these regions. Furthermore, the project will assess the environmental impacts of deforestation, such as loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystem services, and contribution to climate change. Understanding the connections between urbanization, agricultural practices, and deforestation is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate tropical forest loss. The findings of this research will provide valuable insights for policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders involved in land use planning and environmental protection in tropical regions.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

A big but so far unspecified chunk of the cash will go on programmes to prevent loss of tropical forests, which is a major source of greenhouse gases.

Beyond 2012, tens of billions of dollars per year could be primed if a planned UN pact on curbing climate change comes to fruition.

But environmental scientists publishing in the journal Nature Geoscience on Sunday cautioned against a rush to favour schemes that are unlikely to work.

A common theory is that pressure on forests can be eased by reducing the population in rural areas, or discouraging rural people from clearing land for fuel or food for their own use.

The study, led by Ruth DeFries of New Yorks Columbia University, looked at satellite data for forest loss in 41 countries from 2000 to 2005 and matched this against a host of other factors.

Two much bigger causes accelerated forest loss, they found.

One was the demographic growth of the host countrys cities.

Urbanisation raises consumption levels and boosts demands for agricultural products.

City dwellers eat more processed food and meat, which in turn encourages large-scale farming that leads to forest clearance.

The other factor is agricultural exports, which also amplified demands for farmland.

“The strong trend in movement of people to cities in the tropics is, counter-intuitively, likely to be associated with greater pressures for clearing tropical forests,” says the study.

“We therefore suggest that policies to reduce deforestation among local, rural populations will not address the main cause of deforestation in the future.”

Poor tropical countries thus face a dilemma if they want to feed their swelling cities, export food to gain wealth and preserve their forest treasure.

One solution, says DeFries, is boost food yields in lands that have already been cleared.