Externalities of Formal Education on Preservation of Forests

One of the arguments in justifying the necessity of education is its externalities. A case of these external outcomes appears as improvement of environmental quality or prohibition of natural destruction that benefits all of people. In other words, it is claimed that education leads to the better atmosphere of life and less hazardous environment. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate that idea, with special reference to preservation of forests, and then to provide some evidence. The used method is regression analysis on the basis of documented data sources. Accordingly, a sample including 158 countries throughout the world is used which classified to three sub-samples. The data are related to 2010. Results suggest that enrolment in secondary and higher education in low income countries and enrolment in secondary education in middle income countries have negative impact on deforestation. Therefore, it can be said that education is one of the determinants in lowering deforestation in worldwide.