A new report released on May 21st reveals a record high in global deforestation in 2024. The report from Global Forest Watch, using data from the University of Maryland, attributes this to rising global temperatures. Wildfires are responsible for nearly half of the destruction.
Fires destroyed five times more primary tropical forests than in 2023, especially in Latin America. Brazil experienced its worst year for forests since 2016, with 2.8 million hectares destroyed. This accounted for 42% of the world's primary tropical forest loss.
The Congo Basin also saw increased primary forest loss. While Indonesia and Malaysia showed reductions in deforestation due to prevention efforts and stricter laws. Experts emphasize the need for global action and governance to protect remaining forests.