Drug trafficking has been linked to deforestation in Central American countries, as forests are cut down to create transportation routes.
New research published in the journal Science has shown that drug traffickers are cutting down forests in remote areas of Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and other nearby countries.
In Honduras, the rate of new deforestation per year increased more than fourfold between 2007-2011, when the cocaine use in the country increased.
The researchers say their study points to drug policy having an impact on the environment. But they add that we still don’t fully understand the link between the drug trade and environmental conservation.
Read more at Northern Arizona University