Global drivers of forest loss at 1 km resolution

The World Resources Institute and Google DeepMind created a global map of the dominant drivers of tree cover loss from 2001 to 2022 at 1 km spatial resolution (v1). We used a deep learning model to classify seven driver classes: permanent agriculture, hard commodities, shifting cultivation, logging, wildfires, settlements & infrastructure, and other natural disturbances. As part of the study, we collected a set of training samples through interpretation of very high resolution satellite imagery and developed a single world-wide customized residual convolutional neural network model (ResNet) using satellite data (Landsat and Sentinel-2) and ancillary biophysical and population data. In addition, we collected a stratified random sample of validation plots through interpretation of very high resolution satellite imagery to estimate the accuracy of the final classification map. For a full description of the methods, technical specifications, definitions, and limitations, please see the publication: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/add606. In this repository, we make the following available: The training and validation data, available in two separate files. Both datasets were collected by a team of image interpreters and assessed for quality by two additional interpreters. Note that while for the validation data the quality of the primary driver was rigorously assessed, the secondary driver wasn’t subject to the same level of quality control. The global drivers of forest loss raster (drivers_forest_loss_1km.tif), including the discrete classification and probabilities for each class. Creator & Contact Created by World Resources Institute and Google DeepMind Contact: Michelle Sims: [e-mail] Definitions A driver is defined as the direct cause of tree cover loss, and can include both temporary disturbances (natural or anthropogenic) or permanent loss of tree cover due to a change to a non-forest land use (e.g., deforestation). The dominant driver is defined as the direct driver that caused the majority of tree cover loss within each 1 km cell over the time period. Classes are defined as follows: Driver Definition Permanent agriculture Long-term, permanent tree cover loss for small- to large-scale agriculture. This includes perennial tree crops such as oil palm, cacao, orchards, nut trees, and rubber, as well as pasture and seasonal crops and cropping systems, which may include a fallow period. Agricultural activities are considered "permanent" if there is visible evidence that they persist following the tree cover loss event and are not a part of a temporary cultivation cycle. Clearing land for agricultural activities may involve use of fire. Hard commodities Tree cover loss due to the establishment or expansion of mining or energy infrastructure. Mining activities range from small-scale and artisanal mining to large-scale mining. Energy infrastructure includes power lines, power plants, oil drilling and refineries, wind and solar farms, flooding due to the construction of hydroelectric dams, and other types of energy infrastructure. Shifting cultivation Tree cover loss due to small- to medium-scale clearing for temporary cultivation that is later abandoned and followed by subsequent regrowth of secondary forest or vegetation. Clearing land for temporary cultivation may involve use of fire. Logging Forest management and logging activities occurring within managed, natural or semi-natural forests and plantations, often with evidence of forest regrowth or planting in subsequent years. This includes harvesting in wood-fiber plantations, clear-cut and selective logging, establishment of logging roads, and other forest management activities such as forest thinning and salvage or sanitation logging. Wildfire Tree cover loss due to fire with no visible human conversion or agricultural activity afterward. Fires may be started by natural causes (e.g. lightning) or may be related to human activities (accidental or deliberate). Settlements and infrastructure Tree cover loss due to expansion and intensification of roads, settlements, urban areas, or built infrastructure (not associated with other classes). Other natural disturbances Tree cover loss due to other non-fire natural disturbances, including storms, flooding, landslides, drought, windthrow, lava flows, sediment flow or meandering rivers, natural flooding, insect outbreaks, etc. If tree cover loss due to natural causes is followed by salvage or sanitation logging, it is classified as logging.