Why Tropical Forest Loss Has Doubled

Submitted by: Two Sides Nordics March 30, 2026

It’s no secret that the world’s tropical forests are under increasing pressure. However, recent data has highlighted just how rapidly the situation is worsening. According to satellite analysis from Global Forest Watch and the University of Maryland, around 67,000 km² of primary tropical rainforest was lost in 2024. That is double the amount lost in 2023 and the highest level recorded in at least two decades.

While deforestation driven by agriculture, mining and land-use change remains a major contributor, a significant part of this recent surge has been linked to large-scale fires fueled by rising global temperatures and extreme weather patterns. The El Niño climate phenomenon created hotter and drier conditions across many tropical regions, increasing the risk of uncontrolled forest fires.

Although the most recent El Niño event officially ended in April 2024, its impacts continued for months. Soils and vegetation in many tropical forests remained unusually dry, making them more vulnerable to fire and further accelerating forest loss.

Experts warn that this trend reflects a worrying shift. Historically, the primary driver of tropical deforestation was land clearance for agriculture. Today, climate change itself is becoming an amplifying factor, increasing the intensity and frequency of fires and creating a feedback loop that further threatens forest ecosystems.

Why Tropical Forests Matter

Tropical forests are among the most important ecosystems on Earth. Despite covering only a small proportion of the planet’s land area, they support around half of all known plant and animal species and provide vital resources for millions of people worldwide.

Beyond biodiversity, these forests play a critical role in regulating the global climate. They store vast amounts of carbon, help stabilise weather patterns, and influence rainfall systems far beyond the regions where they grow. When forests are destroyed or degraded, much of the carbon stored in trees and soils is released back into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Tropical forests also support the livelihoods of many communities. Indigenous peoples and rural populations rely on forests for food, medicine, materials and income. Protecting these landscapes is therefore not only an environmental priority but also a social and economic one.

What Can Help Protect the World’s Forests?

While the scale of tropical forest loss is concerning, there are many actions that can help protect and restore these critical ecosystems.

Sustainable forest management plays a key role. Responsible forestry practices ensure that forests continue to provide renewable resources while maintaining biodiversity, protecting soils and safeguarding ecosystem services. Certification schemes and responsible sourcing policies can help businesses and consumers support well-managed forests.

Protecting existing forests is equally important. Establishing and enforcing protected areas, recognising Indigenous land rights, and strengthening forest governance can significantly reduce illegal logging and land conversion.

Restoration and reforestation initiatives can also help rebuild degraded landscapes. When carried out responsibly and in the right locations, restoring forests improves biodiversity, supports communities and enhances carbon storage.

Another important approach is the use of nature-based climate solutions, such as carbon balancing or conservation projects that help finance the protection of threatened forests and habitats. These initiatives channel funding into conservation efforts that prevent deforestation, support local communities and maintain valuable ecosystems.

Finally, increasing awareness and encouraging responsible consumption can make a meaningful difference. Choosing products from sustainably managed forests and supporting organisations working to protect natural habitats helps create demand for responsible land stewardship.

Protecting tropical forests requires coordinated action from governments, businesses and individuals. By supporting sustainable forest management and conservation efforts, we can help ensure these vital ecosystems continue to benefit both people and the planet for generations to come.