Falling forests, rising emissions: Does the road to economic development pass through protected rainforests?

Key Points

• Deforestation occurs as economic development prioritizes mining and agriculture, leading to higher emissions.
• Satellite images confirm significant land-use changes in Sulawesi, associated with mining and agricultural expansion.
• Assessment of land-use alterations shows a concerning trend in rainforest depletion throughout 2023 and 2024.
• These findings highlight the need for balancing economic progress with environmental conservation efforts.