In brief
A recent global survey highlights a shocking loss of forests in 2024, driven by wildfires that have become the primary catalyst for destruction, representing nearly half of the total loss. Researchers indicate that 6.7 million hectares of pristine rainforest disappeared, up significantly from previous years, resulting in the loss equivalent to 18 soccer fields every minute.
Fires, particularly rampant in regions like Brazil, are producing large emissions of greenhouse gases—more than four times that of air travel emissions in 2023. Alongside this, land clearing for agricultural purposes has accelerated by 14%, the highest rise in almost ten years. Experts warn that if this trend continues, the effects could be devastating for the climate, with potential for permanent changes in natural areas, leading to an increase in extreme weather events.
