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EU consumption's hidden link to global deforestation caused by mining

Author

Listed:
  • Luckeneder, Sebastian
  • Giljum, Stefan
  • Maus, Victor
  • Sonter, Laura J.
  • Lenzen, Manfred

Abstract

The integration of metals and minerals into global supply chains leads to mining impacts that manifest far from the location of final consumption. To address these distant impacts, new legal frameworks are emerging that require companies to exercise due diligence across their entire supply chains. However, accurately quantifying local mining impacts and tracing them from production to consumption remains challenging. This study examines global flows of forest loss within mine sites from 2001 to 2019, with a focus on final demand in the European Union. By integrating satellite imagery with a multi-region input-output framework, we find that 12% of global forest loss caused by mining is linked to EU consumption, with 89% of these impacts occurring outside EU borders. The study identifies variations in impact intensities across global mining areas, commodities, and European industry sectors, offering actionable strategies and highlighting challenges for responsible material sourcing in consumer and producer regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Luckeneder, Sebastian & Giljum, Stefan & Maus, Victor & Sonter, Laura J. & Lenzen, Manfred, 2024. "EU consumption's hidden link to global deforestation caused by mining," Ecological Economic Papers 48/2024, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business.
    • Handle: RePEc:wiw:wus045:67247598
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Manfred Lenzen & Arne Geschke & James West & Jacob Fry & Arunima Malik & Stefan Giljum & Llorenç Milà i Canals & Pablo Piñero & Stephan Lutter & Thomas Wiedmann & Mengyu Li & Maartje Sevenster & Janez, 2022. "Implementing the material footprint to measure progress towards Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 12," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 5(2), pages 157-166, February.
    2. Manfred Lenzen & Arne Geschke & Muhammad Daaniyall Abd Rahman & Yanyan Xiao & Jacob Fry & Rachel Reyes & Erik Dietzenbacher & Satoshi Inomata & Keiichiro Kanemoto & Bart Los & Daniel Moran & Hagen Sch, 2017. "The Global MRIO Lab – charting the world economy," Economic Systems Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(2), pages 158-186, April.
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