The annual average rate of gross deforestation is a little under 3.5 bn metric tonnes (2005-2009). India is responsible for ~10% of this. USA and China for another 11% and 9% respectively.
Following table: Percent share of countries (top 50%) in gross 3.3 bln mtrc tn deforestation in 2009:
The forest cover has depleted at a much higher rate of over 85,000 Sq Km between 1990-2000. This has moderated to close to 70,000-75,000 Sq Km in recent years. Nevertheless the rate is not innocuous. It is not just deforestation that contributes to green house effect and climate change, the effect is compounded also by the derived wood fuel that is burnt.
At this celerity, the forest land will completely disappear in ~550 years!!
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