Cropper and Griffiths examine the relationship between population growth and environmental quality, focusing on deforestation in 64 developing countries. They argue that population growth contributes to environmental degradation, but this effect can be mitigated by economic growth and technological advancement. The study finds a relationship between deforestation rates and per capita income, similar to the environmental Kuznets curve, where deforestation rates initially rise with income but eventually decline. However, the vertical intercept of this curve is also important, as population pressures can lead to higher deforestation rates even when income is high. The study uses data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other sources to estimate the impact of population density, income growth, and timber prices on deforestation. Results show that rural population density increases deforestation, while per capita income growth reduces it. The price of tropical logs is significant in Latin America but not in Africa. Asia shows no significant relationship, possibly due to the role of forest plantations. The authors conclude that economic growth alone does not solve environmental problems, and that deforestation in developing countries is a market failure due to weak property rights. Addressing poverty and population growth is essential, along with improving land-use efficiency. The study highlights the importance of considering both income and population factors in environmental policy.Cropper and Griffiths examine the relationship between population growth and environmental quality, focusing on deforestation in 64 developing countries. They argue that population growth contributes to environmental degradation, but this effect can be mitigated by economic growth and technological advancement. The study finds a relationship between deforestation rates and per capita income, similar to the environmental Kuznets curve, where deforestation rates initially rise with income but eventually decline. However, the vertical intercept of this curve is also important, as population pressures can lead to higher deforestation rates even when income is high. The study uses data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other sources to estimate the impact of population density, income growth, and timber prices on deforestation. Results show that rural population density increases deforestation, while per capita income growth reduces it. The price of tropical logs is significant in Latin America but not in Africa. Asia shows no significant relationship, possibly due to the role of forest plantations. The authors conclude that economic growth alone does not solve environmental problems, and that deforestation in developing countries is a market failure due to weak property rights. Addressing poverty and population growth is essential, along with improving land-use efficiency. The study highlights the importance of considering both income and population factors in environmental policy.