arstechnica.com
Studies reveal a significant link between China’s imports and illegal deforestation in tropical regions. One study showed only a third of timber shipments from Peru to China were properly inspected, with 70% of those coming from illegally deforested areas. Another study linked Chinese imports from 2013-2022 to roughly 4 million hectares of tropical forest loss, 70% illegally deforested. Kerstin Canby of Forest Trends notes China’s domestic reforestation efforts have inadvertently driven deforestation elsewhere, especially in countries with weak governance. The port expansion has already caused significant damage to houses near the port, and there’s an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety.
