Record Deforestation in Tropical Forests Sparks Urgent Climate Concerns

Tue Jul 15 2025 02:51:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Record Deforestation in Tropical Forests Sparks Urgent Climate Concerns

A new study reveals an alarming increase in tropical forest loss, driven primarily by wildfire, prompting urgent discussions on climate change resilience.


In 2024, the world saw the fastest recorded rate of tropical forest destruction, primarily due to wildfires exacerbated by climate change. While Southeast Asia shows signs of progress in forest conservation, the Amazon faces critical risk as experts warn of a potential "tipping point."



The world's tropical forests, which are essential for combating climate change, have experienced unprecedented loss according to recent satellite data. An estimated 67,000 sq km (26,000 sq mi) of these vital ecosystems disappeared in 2024—an area nearly equivalent to the Republic of Ireland, translating to 18 football fields lost every minute.

Wildfires have overtaken agricultural land clearances as the leading cause of deforestation, with the Amazon suffering greatly amid a record drought. Conversely, Southeast Asia witnessed some positive developments, as governmental policies have reduced deforestation rates, showcasing a successful collaborative approach.

The role of tropical rainforests is crucial; they sequester significant amounts of carbon in their biomass and soil. The alarming rate of deforestation raises serious concerns about their resilience in an increasingly warm world. Experts, like Prof. Matthew Hansen of the University of Maryland's GLAD laboratory, suggest that some forests, particularly the Amazon, may be nearing a "tipping point" for irreversible decline.

"The data indicates that the possibility of 'savannisation'—where lush tropical forests transition to savanna—is becoming more plausible," Hansen remarked. A related study warns that significant dieback of the Amazon could occur if global warming surpasses the 1.5°C threshold set by international agreements. Such an outcome would not only jeopardize the myriad of species that inhabit these biodiverse ecosystems but would also reverberate globally, worsening climate conditions.

During the previous year, the Amazon faced its worst drought on record, intensified by both climate change and the El Niño weather pattern. The resultant fires released massive quantities of carbon dioxide, negating the rainforest's role as a carbon sink. Experts are noting a shift towards fires being not just linked to agricultural land clearing, but rather as part of an emerging and intense climate feedback loop.

Ultimately, 2024 recorded the loss of primary tropical forests, contributing 3.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere—approximately equivalent to all emissions generated by the European Union.

In a notable contrast, regions in Southeast Asia like Indonesia have shown slight improvements; their primary forest loss decreased by 11% compared to the previous year, aided by policy measures against burning. Elizabeth Goldman, co-director of Global Forest Watch at WRI, attributed this success to effective governance and community enforcement of no-burn laws.

While some countries, such as Brazil, had achieved previous successes in forest conservation, they have seen a resurgence in forest loss due to destabilized policies since 2014. The message from researchers is clear: sustained and consistent policies are imperative for meaningful environmental protection.

Looking ahead, the upcoming UN climate summit COP30 in the Amazon is seen as a pivotal moment for the global community to address forest conservation strategies. One promising proposal is to create financial incentives for countries that preserve their forests, which could shift the economic dynamics that currently favor deforestation. "We must transition from a system that profits from cutting down trees to one that values and rewards their conservation," stated Rod Taylor from the World Resources Institute.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:10:11 GMT

Whirlwind Tariff Battles: Trump’s Unyielding Trade Policy Unleashed

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:10:11 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:09:22 GMT

### Europe's Summers Transformed: Climate Change Turns Vacation Hotspots into Hazards

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:09:22 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 01:00:37 GMT

Tensions Rise Over Water Shortages: A Deepening Conflict Between the US and Mexico**

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 01:00:37 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 09:12:00 GMT

Global Experts Warn of Flash Flood Risks Amidst Early Warning Failures

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 09:12:00 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:58:07 GMT

**Intense Marine Heatwave in Mediterranean Raises Alarm for Ecosystems**

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:58:07 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:22:10 GMT

Espresso Under Siege: The Price Hike Woes of Italy's Beloved Coffee Culture

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:22:10 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:32:08 GMT

Intense Heatwave in the Mediterranean Sparks Alarm for Aquatic Life

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:32:08 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:51:21 GMT

Trump's Trade Turbulence: A Chaotic Global Landscape

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:51:21 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:29:01 GMT

Trump Imposes Tariffs on Brazil Amid Bolsonaro's Legal Tensions**

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:29:01 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:23:21 GMT

Vast Wildfires Prompt Manitoba's Emergency Declaration for Second Time in 2025

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:23:21 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:41:05 GMT

**Trump's Turbulent Tariff Threat: A Political Maneuver Against Brazil**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 20:41:05 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:00:19 GMT

**Trump's Tariff Threat: Potential Fallout for Brazil's Political Landscape**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:00:19 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:56:41 GMT

Trade Turmoil: U.S. and Brazil on Collision Course**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:56:41 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:54:43 GMT

**Brazilian President Vows to Retaliate Against US Tariff Threats as Tensions Rise with Trump**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:54:43 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:10:45 GMT

**Trump Escalates Tariff Threats Against Brazil Amid Bolsonaro's Prosecution**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:10:45 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:06:16 GMT

Brazil Prepares to Retaliate Against Proposed US Tariffs Amid Political Tensions

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:06:16 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:12:00 GMT

Chinese Students Seek Refuge from Early Heatwave in Libraries and Tents

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:12:00 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:42:05 GMT

Students Seek Refuge from Record Heat in Eastern China

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:42:05 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:28:48 GMT

Trump's Tariff Threat: A 50% Tax on Brazilian Goods and Demands for Bolsonaro's Legal Resolution

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:28:48 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:54:16 GMT

Rising Tensions: Trump Threatens Brazil with Heavy Tariffs Amid Bolsonaro's Legal Troubles

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 20:54:16 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.