In additional to public health issues, charcoal reliance has a significant environmental and economic impact. Massive deforestation in the areas surrounding cities and towns decreases forest cover, contributing to increased global warming. For example Beira city in Mozambique, sees 12045 ha of local forest cover destroyed every year to provide charcoal for use within the city.
The use of charcoal cooking in Mozambique has a significant economic impact by devaluing the country's wood resources. $700 million/yr of wood resources are used to create charcoal in the country, but charcoal sales can only realise $300 million/yr, devaluing the resource by 58%.
Massive deforestation dramatically increases soil erosion, increasing the frequency of flash flooding and landslide events, whilst also amplifying the damage caused. Deforestation also drives off native wildlife, a natural resource often used to drive GDP, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Taking Kenya as an example, Travel & Tourism (including associated activities) contributed more than 5.6% of GDP, with upwards of $7.9 billion generated in the country in 2018.