The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that in the last 30 years 420 million hectares of forest have been lost for feeding and accommodating the 11 billion estimated population of the world. Humanity has destroyed one third of the world’s forests by expanding agriculture.
Large parts of the world that were once covered by forests and wildlands are now used for agriculture. Half of the ‘habitable land’ (after leaving out the ice and deserts) is used for agriculture, which also uses 70 per cent of global fresh water. Having said that, let me hasten to add that ‘agricultural land (sum of cropland and grazing pastures) per capita’ has come down drastically since 1961, due to improved yield. The world average at 1.5 hectare in 1961 was around 0.75 hectare in 2018! In India this has come down from 0.4 hectare to 0.1 hectare during the same period. Fortunately, global deforestation peaked in the 1980s. In India too around 400,000 hectares has been the net addition to our forest cover between 1961 and 2018 after taking into account the nearly one million hectare annual deforestation. (source: UN FAO thru ttps://ourworldindata.org)
Whereas forest cover in the world is about 30 per cent, sadly, in India, it is only 22 per cent. In a recent international study, it was disclosed that India has only 28 trees per capita against nearly 8,400 in Canada, 4,000 in Russia, 3,000 in Sweden, 1,400 in Brazil, 700 in the USA and 100 in China. We can take sadistic pleasure in seeing just one per capita in Turkmenistan and five per capita in Pakistan. Isn’t that a matter of great shame?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is Leadership Without Hierarchies Possible?
LEADERSHIP IN THE current era is more challenging than ever before.
The Rise and Evolution of Coffee Culture in India
AS A BANGALORE native, South Indian filter ‘Kaapi’ has always been a significant part of our tradition.
The Daily Ground Goes Desi
Success in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities hinges on several key factors, with one of the most important being the ability to offer high-quality products at an accessible price point
Cracking The Indian Code
TARUN JAIN, CEO of Tim Hortons India believes in creating an experience at cafes by blending global quality, local flavours and affordability
Making Coffee the New Chai in India
Affordable, great-tasting coffee made fast-abCoffee is reshaping how India drinks coffee
Scripting A New Era Of Coffee In India
From a bootstrapped startup to international expansion, NOTHING BEFORE COFFEE is brewing its way to the top by challenging the giants of the coffee industry with innovation, personalisation, and sustainability
"Driven By A Younger Demographic, Coffee Culture Is On The Upswing"
SUNIL D'SOUZA, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Consumer Products, discusses the company's strategic growth in India's booming coffee market, focusing on premiumisation, innovation, and expanding consumer experiences both at home and in cafés, in this exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld's Tarannum Manjul
Fresh Brew, Big Ambitions
From startups to stores, Beanly's Samayesh Khanna and Rahul Jain elevate India's coffee culture by making freshly brewed coffee a daily delight
"On Track To Become India's Top Café Chain"
In an exclusive interview, RAJAT AGRAWAL, CEO of Barista Coffee, shared insights on the company's current market position, expansion strategies, and its response to growing competition
"Ensuring A Seamless Coffee Experience Outside The Cafe Is The Next Big Thing To Watch Out For"
In an exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld's Resham Suhail, Third Wave Coffee CEO RAJAT LUTHRA and its Co-founder AYUSH BATHWAL delve on how they are navigating the competitive landscape, going beyond retail and tapping changing consumer preferences