The Impact of Decreasing Forest Areas on Increasing Global Temperatures

Abstract

Forests act as a producer of oxygen which is essential for the survival of living things. Degradation of forest areas causes the extinction of various species. It creates a greenhouse gas effect that impacts global warming, triggering regional climate change. This study aimed to determine the effect of decreasing forest area on increasing the annual average temperature in the world. The data used in this study are world forest area data and world average yearly temperature during the 1990-2020 period, with the addition of carbon emission data as a control. The analytical method uses Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The results obtained in this study, namely a decrease in every 1 km2 of forest area, will have a positive impact on increasing the annual average temperature. There was a significant influence in 1990-2010 with an increase in the country's average temperature of 0.0037225oC. An increase in carbon emissions of 1 ppm increases temperature by 1.046833oC. The results of this study illustrate that the reduction in forest area increases temperature, which triggers global climate change. Particular policies are needed from the government to maintain forest sustainability so that the ecosystem is maintained.