Dynamics of deforestation worldwide: A structural decomposition analysis of agricultural land use in South America

Deforestation, mainly caused by the conversion of forest land to agriculture, threatens achievement multiple goals across 2030 Agenda. This environmental issue is particularly marked in area formed Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay (ABP region), where a net loss more than 5,5 million hectares per year simultaneous gain agricultural almost 3 were registered during 2000–2015. To identify main contributors growth use driving regional deforestation, Structural Decomposition Analysis (SDA) applied on multiregional input-output tables. Results suggest that changes detected within ABP influenced shifts domestic demand exacerbated influence Brazil Mercosur trade agreement. Outside ABP, results show consumption capita population expansion developed developing economies (the EU28, US, China) are major drivers deforestation. Although globalization led surge ABP’s displaced other countries, our indicate outsourced activities did not affect use. There thus need designing mitigation measures with global sense also addresses co-responsibility mechanisms among countries region.