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

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Deforestation Rate Calculator