Unveiling Drivers of Deforestation: Evidence from the Brazilian Amazon

Kuschnig, N., Crespo Cuaresma, J., & Krisztin, T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9241-8628 (2019). Unveiling Drivers of Deforestation: Evidence from the Brazilian Amazon. Vienna , Institute for Ecological Dynamics. 32.

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Project: Spatially explicit material footprints: fine-scale assessment of Europe’s global environmental and social impacts (FINEPRINT, H2020 725525)

Abstract

The drivers of deforestation are the subject of many spatially explicit studies with considerable policy impact, yet few studies account for spatial dependence, thus neglecting spillover effects. In this work, we use high-resolution remotely sensed land cover change maps, extended with socioeconomic panel data for 141 municipalities in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, to investigate the role of agriculture in deforestation from 2006 until 2016. Our econometric model specifically accounts for spatial indirect effects from the dependent and explanatory variables, thus avoiding biased and inconsistent estimates. We identify indirect spillover effects from croplands and direct effects from cattle as significant deforestation drivers. Neglecting to explicitly account for spatial dependence considerably underestimates deforestation pressure of soy production. We conclude that spatial dynamics play a crucial role in deforestation and need to be considered in econometric studies, in order to facilitate informed policy decisions.

Item Type: Other
Uncontrolled Keywords: Deforestation, spillover effects, spatial econometrics, agriculture, soybean, land use change
Research Programs: Ecosystems Services and Management (ESM)
World Population (POP)
Depositing User: Luke Kirwan
Date Deposited: 27 Jul 2020 08:02
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2021 17:33
URI: https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/16593

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