New data on global rainforest loss compiled by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the University of Maryland reveals a concerning trend: despite significant strides in curbing deforestation in regions like Brazil and Colombia, the relentless destruction of the world’s most pristine rainforests persists.

In 2023 alone, an area nearly equivalent to Switzerland was cleared, totaling 37,000 square kilometers (14,200 square miles).

This alarming rate of deforestation translates to roughly 10 football pitches lost every minute, predominantly driven by the expansion of agricultural cultivation globally.

While Brazil and Colombia reported substantial decreases in forest loss, these achievements were overshadowed by sharp increases in deforestation rates in countries like Bolivia, Laos, and Nicaragua.

Additionally, Canada faced a record-breaking loss of forest due to wildfires, losing over 8 million hectares (20 million acres).

Despite notable declines in the Brazilian Amazon and Colombia, increasing forest loss in other regions largely negated these gains.

The urgency to address deforestation is underscored by its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.

Preserving rainforests is crucial to limit global heating and biodiversity loss, with researchers highlighting the need to restrict temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The latest figures reveal a stark reality: governments are falling dangerously short of their climate and biodiversity commitments.

At the Cop28 climate conference in Dubai, countries agreed on the imperative to halt and reverse forest loss and degradation by 2030, building on commitments made at Cop26 in Glasgow.

However, the data indicates that the world remains far from achieving these targets, with little change in global forest loss observed over several years.

Brazil, despite making significant strides in reducing its rate of forest loss, remains among the top three countries for losing primary global rainforest, alongside the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Bolivia.

Collectively, these countries account for over half of the global deforestation.

Bolivia, in particular, has witnessed a concerning surge in forest loss for the third consecutive year, driven primarily by the expansion of soy farming.

Similarly, Laos and Nicaragua experienced significant deforestation, attributed to agricultural expansion fueled by external demands, such as China’s appetite for commodities.

Despite these challenges, experts suggest that lessons can be gleaned from success stories like Brazil and Colombia. Prof Matthew Hansen from the University of Maryland advocates for innovative approaches such as compensation funds for conserving standing rainforests, citing initiatives like Germany’s ‘Fair Deal’ and Norway’s engagement with Gabon.

He emphasises the importance of robust governance and civil society engagement in conjunction with such strategies to effectively combat deforestation.

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