How trade moves deforestation around the world

Hannah Ritchie at Our World in Data has broken down where deforestation is embedded in internationally traded crops and where it is exported and imported to and from, including Australia. An unbelievable 995,000 hectares of deforestation was embedded in internationally traded commodities in 2023 in everything from beef and oil seeds to stimulants (yes, that’s coffee and chocolate!) and fibre crops.

The data exposes the profound impact of international trade in commodities and how disconnected we as consumers are from that impact. Take a look at how Australia’s - and other country’s - imports and exports contribute to deforestation harm around the world.