Deforestation Rate Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the deforestation rate calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Average Annual Loss
annual_loss_ha = annual_lossAnnual Deforestation Rate
deforestation_rate = annual_rate_pctProjected Forest in Future
projected_forest = current_forest_ha * pow(1 - annual_rate_pct / 100, projection_years)Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
initial_forest_ha | Initial Forest Area(hectares) | 500000 |
current_forest_ha | Current Forest Area(hectares) | 420000 |
years_elapsed | Years Between Measurements(years) | 10 |
projection_years | Projection Period(years) | 20 |
annual_loss | Derived value= (initial_forest_ha - current_forest_ha) / years_elapsed | calculated |
annual_rate_pct | Derived value= (1 - pow(current_forest_ha / initial_forest_ha, 1 / years_elapsed)) * 100 | calculated |
How It Works
Measuring Deforestation
Deforestation rate quantifies the speed at which forest cover is being lost, typically expressed as a percentage per year.
Formula
Annual Rate = 1 - (Current Area / Initial Area)^(1/years) x 100%
Projected Forest = Current Area x (1 - Rate)^(Projection Years)
This compound rate formula accounts for the shrinking base over time, giving a more accurate rate than simple division.
Worked Example
Forest cover dropped from 500,000 to 420,000 hectares over 10 years.
initial_forest_ha = 500000current_forest_ha = 420000years_elapsed = 10projection_years = 20
- 01Annual loss = (500,000 - 420,000) / 10 = 8,000 ha/year
- 02Compound rate = 1 - (420,000/500,000)^(1/10) = 1 - 0.9826 = 1.74%
- 03Projected forest in 20 years = 420,000 x (1 - 0.0174)^20 = 420,000 x 0.7046 = 295,932 ha
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Deforestation Rate Calculator