Tropical Forest Loss Slows in 2025, Still Alarming

The rate of tropical forest loss slowed in 2025 following a record-breaking year, but destruction remains at an alarming level, equivalent to losing around 11 football fields of forest every minute, researchers said.

Global data show that 4.3 million hectares of tropical primary rainforest were lost over the year—a 36 percent decline compared to 2024. Despite this improvement, experts caution that the scale of loss continues to pose a serious threat to biodiversity, climate stability and local communities.

Researchers noted that recent progress reflects stronger government action and conservation efforts in several countries. However, they warned that these gains remain fragile.

One of the biggest emerging risks is the increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires, driven largely by climate change. These fires are becoming a “dangerous new normal,” capable of rapidly undoing years of progress in reducing deforestation.

Scientists stressed that without sustained global efforts to curb emissions, strengthen forest protection and manage fire risks, tropical forests could continue to shrink at a pace that undermines both environmental and climate goals.