Deforestation Rate Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the deforestation rate calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Deforestation Rate Calculator

Formulas Used

Annual Deforestation Rate

annual_rate = loss_rate_pct

Annual CO2 Released

co2_released = annual_loss_ha * co2_per_ha

Years to Full Depletion

time_to_depletion = years_remaining

5-Year Projected Loss

five_year_loss = annual_loss_ha * 5

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
total_forest_haTotal Forest Area(hectares)10000
annual_loss_haAnnual Forest Loss(hectares)200
co2_per_haCO2 Stored per Hectare(metric tons)150
loss_rate_pctDerived value= annual_loss_ha / total_forest_ha * 100calculated
years_remainingDerived value= total_forest_ha / annual_loss_hacalculated

How It Works

How to Calculate Deforestation Rate

Deforestation rate tracks the annual loss of forest cover.

Formula

Rate (%) = Annual Loss / Total Forest * 100

CO2 Released = Lost Area * CO2 per Hectare

Carbon Storage

  • Tropical forest: 150-250 metric tons CO2/ha
  • Temperate forest: 100-200 metric tons CO2/ha
  • Boreal forest: 50-150 metric tons CO2/ha

    • Deforestation accounts for about 10% of global CO2 emissions.

    Worked Example

    A 10,000 ha forest losing 200 ha/year with 150 metric tons CO2/ha stored.

    total_forest_ha = 10000annual_loss_ha = 200co2_per_ha = 150
    1. 01Deforestation rate: 200 / 10,000 * 100 = 2%
    2. 02CO2 released: 200 * 150 = 30,000 metric tons/year
    3. 03Years to depletion: 10,000 / 200 = 50 years
    4. 045-year loss: 200 * 5 = 1,000 hectares

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much forest is lost each year?

    About 10 million hectares (25 million acres) of forest are lost annually, an area roughly the size of Portugal. The rate has slowed from 16 million ha/year in the 1990s.

    What drives deforestation?

    Agriculture (especially cattle and soy) causes 80% of deforestation. Other drivers include logging, mining, infrastructure, and urbanization. The Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia are most affected.

    Can reforestation reverse the damage?

    Reforestation helps but takes decades to restore carbon stocks and biodiversity. Old-growth forests store far more carbon and support more species than newly planted ones.

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Deforestation Rate Calculator