Tropical forests destroyed at fastest recorded rate last year
Summary
Researchers report that tropical forests were lost at the fastest pace ever recorded in 2024, mainly due to fires. The Amazon, facing severe drought and fires, was notably affected, while countries in South East Asia showed some improvement in reducing forest loss through effective government policies.Key Facts
- Tropical forests lost 67,000 square kilometers in 2024, the largest loss recorded so far.
- Fires were the main cause of the forest loss, surpassing agricultural land clearances for the first time.
- The Amazon region was hit hard, experiencing the worst drought on record, which helped fires spread.
- Deforestation of tropical forests released an estimated 3.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases.
- South East Asian countries, like Indonesia, managed to decrease forest loss by enforcing "no burning" laws.
- The loss of forests could push regions like the Amazon closer to a "tipping point" where they may not recover.
- The release of carbon dioxide from burning forests adds to global warming, reversing the forests' role in absorbing CO2.
- This pattern of intense fires and forest loss is expected to continue with climate change.
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