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Ghost Roads: Hidden Threats Fueling Deforestation Crisis

12/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) finds ghost roads are up to seven times more common than official roads, driving deforestation and contributing to climate change.
Study analyzed 137 million hectares of roads across Brazil, Congo, and Southeast Asia.
One kilometer of new road is linked to 50 kilometers of secondary roads.
Plans to pave BR-319 in the Brazilian Amazon could worsen these risks.

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Story summary

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) finds ghost roads are up to seven times more common than official roads, driving deforestation and contributing to climate change.
Study analyzed 137 million hectares of roads across Brazil, Congo, and Southeast Asia.
One kilometer of new road is linked to 50 kilometers of secondary roads.
Plans to pave BR-319 in the Brazilian Amazon could worsen these risks.