How much deforestation is caused by animal agriculture?
Summary
Animal agriculture is the single largest driver of global deforestation. According to the FAO, agricultural expansion drives almost 90% of deforestation worldwide, with livestock grazing alone responsible for approximately 40% of all forest loss. Cattle ranching specifically accounts for 41% of all tropical deforestation.
Evidence Summary
The scale of deforestation driven by animal agriculture is staggering, and evidence from multiple major studies converges on a clear picture. The FAO's Global Remote Sensing Survey found that agricultural expansion drives almost 90% of global deforestation — far more than previously estimated. Of that agricultural expansion, livestock grazing is responsible for approximately 40% of all forest loss, while conversion to cropland (much of which is grown as animal feed) accounts for over 50%.