Bolivia does not significantly contribute to the emissions causing global warming (its contribution is around 0.03%), as the highly industrialized countries do –which should compensate countries that have low emissions of greenhouse gases. However, Bolivia shares responsibility by not avoiding increased deforestation and allowing the burning of extensive regions. (Source: prodena.org)

Bolivia contributes to global climate change with approximately 0.03%, due to deforestation. In 2008, deforestation in Bolivia was estimated at 300,000 hectares per year, or the equivalent of destroying forests the size of 43 football fields per hour. This is due primarily to non sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and human settlements.

Deforestation worldwide causes 20% of the annual emissions of greenhouse gasses –more emissions than those caused by the entire global transport sector.  Deforestation in Bolivia is the main contributor to global climate change. Forests are extremely important to fight climate change, as well as adapt to it. Our strategies to confront climate change should include forests. If we don’t, we will find ourselves in a situation in which emissions caused by deforestation and degradation of forests increase global warming, which in turn accelerates the loss of forests.