Is the Environmental Kuznets Curve for deforestation a threatened theory? A meta-analysis of the literature

Although widely studied, deforestation remains a common research topic. The relationship between economic development and deforestation is still in question. This paper presents a meta-analysis of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) studies for deforestation. Using 69 studies, offering 547 estimations, we shed light on why EKC results differ. We investigate the incidence of choices made by authors (such as econometric strategy, measure of deforestation, geographical area, and presence of control variables) on the probability of finding an EKC. After a phase of work corroborating the EKC, we find a turning point after the year 2001. Building on our results, we conclude that the EKC story will not fade until theoretical alternatives are provided. •We carry out a meta-analysis of Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) studies for deforestation.•We analyze the results of 69 studies published between 1992 and 2012, offering a total of 547 estimations.•We investigate the incidence of choices made by authors on the probability of finding an EKC.•After a phase of work corroborating the EKC, we find a turning point after the year 2001.