Context:

Tropical forests faced their fastest recorded rate of destruction in 2024, with 67,000 sq km of old-growth forests lost, primarily due to fires exacerbated by severe droughts, particularly in the Amazon. This devastating loss raises concerns about the resilience of these ecosystems, which are crucial for carbon storage and climate regulation, as they may be nearing a tipping point of irreversible decline. Researchers warn of the 'savannisation' of rainforests, where they could transition permanently to savanna if global warming continues to exceed targets. While South East Asia showed progress in reducing forest loss due to effective government policies, the global trend remains worrying, with tropical deforestation releasing 3.1 billion tonnes of CO2. The upcoming UN climate summit COP30, hosted in the Amazon, is seen as a critical platform for promoting forest protection, with innovative proposals like financial rewards for conservation being explored to counteract the economic incentives for deforestation.

Dive Deeper:

• In 2024, the loss of tropical forests reached a record high, with 67,000 sq km of primarily old-growth forests disappearing, driven mainly by fires that surpassed agricultural clearances as the leading cause of deforestation.

• The Amazon rainforest suffered significantly due to the worst drought on record, a situation worsened by climate change and the El Niño weather pattern, leading to uncontrollable fires and massive CO2 emissions.

• Concerns about tropical rainforests reaching a 'tipping point' have intensified, with the potential for these ecosystems to transition to savanna, threatening biodiversity and exacerbating global warming.

• Despite the alarming global trend, South East Asia saw a reduction in forest loss thanks to effective 'no burning' policies and political commitment, making it a bright spot in forest conservation efforts.

• The record deforestation in 2024 contributed to the release of 3.1 billion tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the European Union's emissions, highlighting the urgent need for sustained and effective forest protection measures.

• The UN climate summit COP30, set to take place in the Amazon, is anticipated to be pivotal in advancing international cooperation and innovative solutions like financial incentives for forest preservation.

• Consistency in conservation policies is crucial, as demonstrated by fluctuating forest loss rates in Brazil, where past successes were undermined by policy changes, emphasizing the need for long-term commitment to environmental protection.