An analysis of the impact of CO2 emissions from deforestation and mining in Madre de Dios, Perú

Abstract

The Madre de Dios Region of Peru faces significant deforestation largely due to a surge in artisanal-small scale gold mining (ASGM), propelled by rising gold prices. This study evaluates the full scope of ASGM activities on net CO2 emissions, accounting for both the deforestation that converts forests into mining territories and the emissions directly resulting from mining and transportation activities. By applying kriging to a comprehensive dataset, we determined the carbon content of the region and the annual loss of CO2 capture due to deforestation. Our analysis also incorporates emissions from the Interoceanic highway, which has contributed to the mining boom. The findings indicate a total net CO2 emission of 429.9 Gigagrams (Gg) per year, underscoring the critical environmental challenge these activities pose. Our study highlights the need for immediate and effective reclamation efforts, including reforestation with indigenous carbon-rich trees, as a counterbalance to the environmental damage inflicted. These efforts are essential to mitigate the adverse impacts and support the global movement towards net-zero emissions.