Tropical Deforestation Linked to Thousands of Heat-Related Deaths Annually: Report

The study finds that over 76% of people living in areas with tropical forest loss were exposed to this deforestation-induced warming

A new study revealed that tropical deforestation is inducing local warming and a potential human health risk, having been linked to elevated human heat stress and reduced safe outdoor working hours. This research by Nature found that tropical deforestation is linked with an estimated 28,000 heat-related deaths per year. 

The report found that between 2001 and 2020, this led to an average local warming of 0.45°C in deforested areas across the tropics. This local warming accounts for a substantial 64% of the total warming seen in areas where tropical forests were lost. 

Health Impact of Deforestation

Heat exposure is linked to an increased risk of illness and death from cardiovascular diseases and other causes. The study found that in areas where forests were lost, local warming from deforestation could be responsible for over one third (39.1%) of all heat-related deaths linked to climate change. 

A report estimated that 345 million people were exposed to warming caused by deforestation. Southeast Asia had the highest estimated heat-related mortality rates, with 8-11 deaths for every 100,000 people living in deforested areas. This translates to 15,680 annual excess deaths, largely due to a combination of a large exposed population, particularly in Indonesia, and higher heat vulnerability in the region. Tropical Africa and Central and South America reported 9,890 and 2,520 annual excess deaths, respectively. 

Low-income Countries Most Vulnerable to Deforestation 

The study also highlighted that lower-income countries in the tropics are more vulnerable because they often have limited capacity to adapt to rising temperatures. It also noted that vulnerable groups, including traditional and indigenous communities, often live near deforested areas and lack the resources and infrastructure needed to cope with the combined threats of rising temperatures and environmental changes. 

The study called for urgent calls to action and targeted policies to reduce tropical forest loss, along with better adaptation strategies and improved access to healthcare, to protect vulnerable populations from these health risks. It also noted that protecting tropical forests can help reduce local warming and improve the ability of vulnerable populations to adapt. 

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