**
Recent satellite data indicates a momentary reprieve in global forest loss, with 2025 witnessing a significant reduction in the destruction of tropical rainforests compared to the previous year. This positive trend can largely be attributed to Brazil’s intensified efforts to combat deforestation in the Amazon. However, experts caution that the looming El Niño weather phenomenon could undermine these gains, potentially escalating the risk and severity of forest fires.
A Notable Decline in Deforestation Rates
Research conducted by the World Resources Institute and the University of Maryland reveals that approximately 43,000 square kilometres (17,000 square miles) of old-growth tropical forests were lost worldwide in 2025. This figure represents a marked decrease of about 36% from the record-setting losses experienced in 2024, when deforestation reached unprecedented levels. Despite this decline, the rate of forest loss remains alarmingly higher than it was a decade ago, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of these vital ecosystems.
The reduced deforestation rates observed last year can be linked to a combination of factors. Notably, the cooler La Niña conditions that prevailed in 2025 helped mitigate the severity of fires, contrasting sharply with the extreme conditions brought about by El Niño in 2024. Enhanced protective measures in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Malaysia have also played a crucial role in this encouraging trend.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see the decline in 2025,” remarked Elizabeth Goldman, co-director of Global Forest Watch at the World Resources Institute. “This highlights how, when there is political will and leadership focused on forest preservation, tangible results can emerge.”
Brazil’s Environmental Policies Yield Results
Brazil, which houses the largest rainforest on the planet, has made notable strides in implementing stronger environmental policies and enforcement measures to curb deforestation. In 2025, it was estimated that around 5,700 square kilometres (2,200 square miles) of old-growth forests were lost in Brazil—marking its lowest annual loss since monitoring began in 2002. These forests are critical for biodiversity, hosting millions of species and playing a vital role in regulating the planet’s climate by sequestering carbon dioxide.
Despite these gains, the pressures on tropical rainforests continue to mount. Decades of land conversion for agriculture, coupled with logging and climate change, have exacerbated the risks of larger and more destructive wildfires.
“Forests are well equipped to cope with normal climate conditions,” stated Rod Taylor, global director for forest and nature conservation at the World Resources Institute. “However, with the rise of intense fires and droughts, we must focus on enhancing the resilience of these vital ecosystems against climate extremes.”
The Threat of El Niño
While the recent reductions in deforestation provide a glimmer of hope, researchers are wary of the potential impact of the El Niño weather pattern, which is expected to bring warmer and drier conditions later in the year. This climatic shift could amplify the risk of wildfires, posing a significant threat to tropical forests already under stress from climate change and land clearing.
“Climate change and land clearing have shortened the fuse on global forest fires,” warned Professor Matthew Hansen from the University of Maryland. “Without urgent measures to manage fire risks more effectively, we could push the world’s most critical forests beyond the point of recovery.”
European Context: A Broader Climate Crisis
The implications of climate change are not confined to the tropics. A recent report from the EU’s Copernicus climate service highlights how rising global temperatures have contributed to severe heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires across Europe. In 2025, more than 10,000 square kilometres (4,000 square miles) of land were scorched by wildfires, with the Mediterranean Sea reaching record-high temperatures.
As Europe grapples with these escalating climate challenges, the report noted some progress, with nearly half of the continent’s electricity now generated from renewable sources, including wind, solar, and hydropower.
Why it Matters
The recent slowdown in tropical forest loss is a crucial development in the global fight against climate change, yet it is overshadowed by the looming threats posed by El Niño and ongoing deforestation pressures. The fight to protect these ecosystems requires sustained political commitment and innovative strategies to enhance their resilience. As the world continues to face climate extremes, the preservation of tropical forests is not merely an environmental issue; it is essential for safeguarding biodiversity and mitigating climate change impacts globally. The path forward must prioritise adaptive strategies to ensure that these ecosystems can withstand the challenges that lie ahead.