Global Tropical Forest Loss Falls 36% in 2025

On 29th April 2026, a report by Global Forest Watch, the World Resources Institute, and the University of Maryland stated that global destruction of tropical forests declined significantly in 2025.

Key Points

Forest Loss Trend:
- 4.3 million hectares of pristine tropical forest lost in 2025.
- 36% decline compared to 2024.
Key Driver of Improvement: Major reduction attributed to Brazil’s anti-deforestation measures.
Global Commitment Gap:
- Current deforestation still 70% above levels needed to meet 2030 global forest goals.
- Nearly all countries committed in 2023 to halt and reverse forest loss.
Primary Cause of Deforestation:
- Agricultural expansion remains largest driver.
- Includes soy, palm oil, and subsistence farming.
Regional Trends:
- Malaysia and Indonesia benefited from long-term forest policies.
- Indonesia’s food estate expansion increased deforestation pressure.
Emerging Risks:
- Policy reversals in soy sourcing may increase Amazon pressure.
- Climate change intensifying droughts and wildfires.
Boreal Forest Warning:
- Canada experienced second-worst wildfire season.
- Boreal forest burning sharply above historical average.
Climate Significance:
- Forests remain major carbon sinks.
- Fires and drought increasingly turning forests into emission sources.