Global forest loss 2024: Tropical forest loss doubles as fire becomes main cause

Fires surpass agriculture as leading cause of forest loss

World Resources Institute has reported that global forest loss rose to its highest level on record in 2024, with fire overtaking agriculture as the main cause of tropical primary forest destruction.

The data, published by the University of Maryland’s GLAD Lab on WRI’s Global Forest Watch platform, showed 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary forest were lost, nearly double the previous year’s total.

WRI stated that fire accounted for nearly 50% of all tropical primary forest loss, while other causes rose by 14%, marking the sharpest increase since 2016.

The organisation added that forest fires in 2024 emitted 4.1 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases, over four times the emissions from all global air travel in 2023.

Elizabeth Goldman, Co-Director, WRI’s Global Forest Watch said: “This level of forest loss is unlike anything we’ve seen in over 20 years of data.

“It’s a global red alert — a collective call to action for every country, every business and every person who cares about a livable planet.

“Our economies, our communities, our health — none of it can survive without forests.”

Brazil and Bolivia record largest increases in tropical forest loss

World Resources Institute reported that Brazil accounted for 42% of tropical primary forest loss in 2024.

It stated that 66% of Brazil’s forest loss was due to fires, which were intensified by the worst drought in the country’s recorded history.

The organisation added that forest loss from non-fire causes rose by 13%, largely linked to soy and cattle farming.

In Bolivia, WRI reported that primary forest loss rose by 200%, reaching 1.5 million hectares.

It noted that Bolivia became the second-highest country for tropical primary forest loss, overtaking the Democratic Republic of Congo despite having less than half its forest area.

More than half of Bolivia’s loss was caused by fires often linked to agricultural clearing, which escalated into megafires due to drought.

Stasiek Czaplicki Cabezas, Data Journalist at Revista Nomadas said: “The fires that tore through Bolivia in 2024 left deep scars — not only on the land, but on the people who depend on it.

“The damage could take centuries to undo.

“Across the tropics, we need stronger fire response systems and a shift away from policies that encourage dangerous land clearing, or this pattern of destruction will only get worse.”

Forest loss in Colombia and Congo Basin linked to conflict and climate

World Resources Institute stated that Colombia experienced a 50% increase in primary forest loss in 2024.

It reported that fires were not the primary cause. Instead, non-fire-related loss rose by 53%, attributed to instability following the breakdown in peace negotiations and an increase in illegal mining and coca production.

Joaquin Carrizosa, Senior Advisor, WRI Colombia said: “In 2023, Colombia saw the biggest drop in primary forest loss in 20 years, proving that when government and communities work together, real change is possible.”

Carrizosa added: “The rise in primary forest loss in 2024 is a setback, but it shouldn’t discourage us as a country.

“We need to keep supporting local, nature-based economies – especially in remote areas – and invest in solutions that protect the environment, create jobs and foster peace.”

In the Republic of Congo, WRI reported a 150% increase in forest loss compared to the previous year.

It stated that 45% of that loss was fire-related, driven by high temperatures and dry conditions.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the organisation linked increased forest loss to poverty, dependence on forest resources, and conflict.

Teodyl Nkuintchua, Congo Basin Strategy & Engagement Lead, WRI Africa said: “The high rates of forest loss in the DRC reflect the tough realities our communities are facing — poverty, conflict and a deep reliance on forests for survival.

“There’s no silver bullet, but we won’t change the current trajectory until people across the Congo Basin are fully empowered to lead conservation efforts that also support their rural economies.”

Some progress recorded in Southeast Asia

World Resources Institute reported that Southeast Asia showed improvements in forest loss during 2024.

It stated that Indonesia reduced primary forest loss by 11%, reversing an upward trend seen between 2021 and 2023.

Malaysia recorded a 13% decline in primary forest loss and dropped out of the top 10 countries for tropical forest loss for the first time.

WRI attributed the progress in Indonesia to land restoration policies and fire prevention efforts implemented under former President Joko Widodo.

Arief Wijaya, Managing Director, WRI Indonesia said: “We’re proud that Indonesia is one of the few countries in the world to reduce primary forest loss.

“But deforestation remains a concern due to plantations, small-scale farming and mining — even within protected areas.

“We hope the current administration keeps the momentum going.”

Outside the tropics, the organisation reported a 5% increase in global tree cover loss compared to 2023.

It stated that the combined losses in Canada and Russia contributed to the global total of 30 million hectares of tree cover loss in 2024.

WRI noted that this marked the first time that major fire events occurred simultaneously in both tropical and boreal forests in Global Forest Watch records.

Global forest loss 2024 driven by record fires: Summary

World Resources Institute reported that 2024 recorded the highest tropical primary forest loss on record.

Fire accounted for nearly 50% of the total tropical forest loss.

A total of 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary forest were lost.

Fire-related emissions reached 4.1 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases.

Brazil accounted for 42% of the total, with 66% of its loss caused by fire.

Bolivia recorded a 200% increase, reaching 1.5 million hectares.

Colombia’s forest loss increased by 50%, mainly linked to illegal mining and coca production.

The Republic of Congo’s loss rose by 150%, with 45% caused by fire.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s increase was attributed to poverty and conflict.

Indonesia reduced forest loss by 11%, and Malaysia by 13%.

Global tree cover loss rose by 5%, totalling 30 million hectares.

All data was sourced from the University of Maryland’s GLAD Lab and published by Global Forest Watch.