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What happened
The Forest Declaration Assessment 2025 uncovers a paradox in the state of tropical forests, where significant regeneration is occurring even as deforestation rates remain persistently high. Between 2015 and 2021, over 11 million hectares of tropical moist forest were in various stages of natural regrowth, with Latin America experiencing a remarkable 750% increase. However, the same assessment indicates that approximately 8.1 million hectares of forest were cleared in 2024, maintaining a level consistent with the start of the decade and significantly off track from the global pledge to achieve zero deforestation by 2030. The report highlights that agriculture is the primary driver of deforestation, accounting for 86% of forest loss over the past decade. Despite the potential for natural regrowth to sequester carbon and restore habitats, the ongoing cycle of destruction undermines these efforts. The authors stress the urgent need for increased funding for forest protection, as current financial support for conservation is dwarfed by agricultural subsidies.
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Key insights
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1
Regrowth vs. Deforestation
Natural forest regrowth is occurring, but deforestation rates remain high, creating a paradox.
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2
Agriculture's Role
Agriculture is responsible for 86% of global deforestation, driving forest loss despite conservation pledges.
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3
Funding Discrepancy
Current funding for forest protection is significantly lower than subsidies for industrial agriculture.
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4
Urgent Need for Action
To meet zero-deforestation goals, immediate and substantial action is required to reduce forest clearing.
Takeaways
The assessment underscores a critical need for global action to reconcile forest regeneration with ongoing deforestation. Without significant changes in agricultural practices and increased funding for conservation, the balance between loss and renewal will remain precarious, jeopardizing biodiversity and climate goals.