Assessment of global carbon dynamics due to mining-induced forest cover loss during 2000-2019 using satellite...

Mining activities significantly contribute to forest cover loss (FCL), subsequently altering global carbon dynamics and exacerbating climate change. The present study aims to estimate the contributions of mining-induced FCL to carbon sequestration loss (CSL) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from 2000 to 2019 using the proxy datasets. For FCL analysis, the global FCL data at 30 m spatial resolution, developed by Hansen et al. (2013), was employed in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. Furthermore, for CSL and CO₂ emissions assessment, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based Net Primary Productivity (NPP) data and Zhang and Liang (2020)-developed biomass datasets were used, respectively. The outcomes of the study exhibited approximately 16,785.90 km² FCL globally due to mining activities, resulting in an estimated CSL of ∼36,363.17 Gg CO₂/year and CO₂ emissions of ∼490,525.30 Gg CO₂. Indonesia emerged as the largest contributor to mining-induced FCL, accounting for 3,622.78 km² of deforestation, or 21.58% of the global total. Brazil and Canada followed, with significant deforestation and CO₂ emissions. The findings revealed that mining activities are a major driver of deforestation, particularly in resource-rich regions, leading to substantial environmental degradation. The relative FCL was notably high in smaller countries like Suriname and Guyana, where mining activities constituted a significant proportion of total deforestation. The present study underscores the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks, sustainable land management practices, and coordinated international efforts to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of mining. The findings of this study can inform policymakers and stakeholders, leading to more effective conservation strategies and benefiting society by promoting environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change.