Wildfires fuelled record forest loss in 2024

The destruction of the world’s tropical forests hit an all-time high last year, driven by a surge in fires linked to global heating, according to alarming new data

TOP COUNTRIES FOR PRIMARY FOREST LOSS IN 2024 (million hectares)

Brazil
2.82

Bolivia
1.48

Others
0.89

Mexico: 0.09
Nicaragua: 0.09
Cameroon: 0.10
Colombia: 0.10
Laos: 0.12
Peru: 0.19
Indonesia: 0.26
Democratic Republic of the Congo: 0.59

Total
6.73 million hectares

Scientists warn of possible “savannisation” of rainforest

TROPICAL PRIMARY FOREST LOSS 2002-2024 (million hectares)

Loss to other drivers
Loss to fires

2024: 6.73m hectares lost – equivalent to 18 football pitches every minute

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2024
2022
2020
2018
2016
2014
2012
2010
2008
2006
2004
2002

Forest refers to areas with 30% of tree cover canopy density

Sources: BBC, Reuters, World Resources Institute
Picture: Getty Images
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