Chaco, Paraguay and Argentina

The Gran Chaco experiences one of the highest deforestation rates on Earth, with Paraguay alone losing approximately 300,000 hectares annually to cattle ranching—an area larger than Luxembourg each year. This loss is 40% more severe than the deforestation rate in #5 Sumatra, yet the Chaco receives far less international attention. Over the past two decades, 20% of the entire Chaco forest has been cleared, primarily for soy and beef production.