Global forest loss in 2024 broke records, with widespread fires being the main cause. New data from the University of Maryland's GLAD lab, made available on the Global Forest Watch platform (GFW) World Resources Institute (WRI), show unprecedented loss of forests worldwideThe loss of tropical primary forests alone reached 6.7 million hectares, which is almost double compared to 2023 and an area roughly the size of Panama, with approximately 18 football fields disappearing every minute.

For the first time in history, they were fires are the main cause of loss of tropical primary forests, accounting for almost 50 % of all damage. This represents a dramatic shift, as fires have accounted for an average of only 20 % of loss in recent years. At the same time, the loss of tropical primary forests due to other causes also increased, by 14 %, the steepest increase since 2016.

The consequences of this massive deforestation were devastating for people and the planet. Globally, fires produced 4.1 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions, which is more than quadruple emissions from all aviation in 2023The fires have worsened air quality, strained water supplies and put millions of people at risk. Elizabeth Goldman of WRI Global Forest Watch called it "global red alert" and a collective call to action.

While fires are natural in some ecosystems, those in tropical forests are mostly man-made, often for agricultural purposes. In 2024, the warmest year on record, extreme conditions caused by climate change and the El Niño phenomenon have intensified these fires and made them more difficult to control. The combined pressure of land conversion and a changing climate may hinder forest recovery and increase the risk of future fires.

Some countries have been hit particularly hard. Brazil, the country with the largest area of tropical forests, in 2024 contributed to 42 % of all tropical primary forest losses. Fires caused by the worst drought in history caused 66 % of Brazilian losses, which is more than sixfold increase compared to 2023Losses from other causes have also increased, particularly due to soybean cultivation and cattle ranching. Brazil faces the challenge of reconciling progress in fire prevention with sustainable land use.

Bolivia recorded a sharp increase in the loss of primary forests by 200 %, reaching 1.5 million hectares. For the first time, Bolivia ranked second in the loss of tropical primary forests, overtaking the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than half of this loss was caused by fires, often started to clear land for agriculture, which spread uncontrollably due to drought.

IN Colombia the loss of primary forests increased by almost 50% in %. However, the main cause here was not fires, but instability caused by the breakdown of peace talks, leading to illegal mining and coca production. Although Colombia saw a significant decline in 2023, the increase in 2024 is a step back, highlighting the need to support local, nature-based economies.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Republic of the Congo (KR) recorded in 2024 the highest level of primary forest loss in history. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, fires caused 45 % of damage. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, poverty, dependence on forests for survival, and ongoing conflict are contributing to deforestation. These forests are crucial as carbon sinks, and their loss has global consequences.

However, there is also positive news. In Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, there was decrease in primary forest lossIndonesia reduced its loss by 11.3%, partly thanks to efforts to restore land and limit fires.

The increase in forest loss has spread beyond the tropics. The world has recorded 5 % increase in total tree cover loss, reaching 30 million hectares – an area the size of Italy. This was contributed by intense fire seasons in Canada and Russia.

The year 2024 was the worst year in recorded history for forest loss caused by firesTo achieve the global goal of halting forest loss by 2030, the world must reduce deforestation by 20 % every year, immediately. In contrast, 2024 saw an 80% increase in tropical primary forest loss. Combating forest loss requires strengthening fire prevention, deforestation-free supply chains, and increased financing for forest protection.

Achieving these goals requires political will, national strategies and greater support from richer countries. The 2024 data reveals a significant gap between the promises made and the progress achievedwhat should we to shake off complacency. (JaroR, more at wri.org)