Global forest loss slows but El Niño fires could threaten progress
Summary
Global loss of tropical rainforests slowed down in 2025, mainly due to efforts in Brazil and other countries to protect forests. However, scientists warn that the arrival of the El Niño weather pattern and climate change could increase the risk of fires, threatening this progress.Key Facts
- About 43,000 square kilometers of old-growth tropical forests were lost worldwide in 2025, which is about the size of Denmark.
- This loss is roughly one-third less than the record high losses seen in 2024.
- The World Resources Institute and the University of Maryland reported a 36% decrease in tropical forest loss in 2025.
- Brazil's stronger environmental laws and enforcement helped reduce forest loss to the lowest level since 2002, excluding fire-related losses.
- Tropical rainforests absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to cool the planet.
- Climate change and El Niño can increase droughts and wildfires, which may cause more damage to forests.
- World leaders pledged to stop and reverse forest loss by 2030 at the 2021 COP26 climate summit, but current progress is still far from this goal.
- Scientists emphasize the need for better fire management and increasing forest resilience against climate impacts.
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