Lead
The pace of tropical forest destruction slowed significantly in 2025 after record losses the previous year, but researchers warn that the world's rainforests are still disappearing at an alarming pace, equivalent to about 11 football fields per minute, according to an analysis from the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the University of Maryland.
The world lost 4.3 million hectares (10.6 million acres) of tropical primary rainforest in 2025, down 36 percent from 2024, researchers said in a report released Wednesday [April 29, 2026]. The loss remains substantial — roughly the size of Denmark and 46 percent higher than a decade ago — according to the analysis.
Coverage Comparison
Coverage of the report was consistent across major international outlets, with all four sources — Al Jazeera, BBC World, South China Morning Post, and The Hindu — reporting the same headline figures. The primary focus was on the 36 percent drop in primary forest loss and Brazil's role in that reduction.
The tone varied slightly: Al Jazeera and BBC World framed the news as a positive development, emphasizing "decisive government action" and "incredibly encouraging" trends, while South China Morning Post and The Hindu used more cautious language, highlighting that forest loss remains at "worrying levels" despite the slowdown.
Key Claims
Global forest loss down 36% from record high
According to the WRI and University of Maryland analysis, based on satellite data, global old-growth tropical forest loss fell from a record high in 2024 to 4.3 million hectares in 2025, a 36 percent decline. The researchers noted that loss occurred at a rate equivalent to about 11 football fields per minute, as reported by The Hindu. BBC World reported that losses were about 43,000 square kilometers, an area roughly the size of Denmark.
Brazil's role in reducing deforestation
Brazil, home to the largest portion of the Amazon rainforest, saw a 41 percent reduction in forest loss excluding fires in 2025, marking its lowest rate on record, according to a claim that, while reported by Al Jazeera, is consistent with other accounts and attributed to stronger environmental policies and enforcement under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva since he took office in 2023. Reuters was among the outlets highlighting this connection, noting that researchers credit the slowdown to Lula's policies.
Fires fueled by climate change: a "dangerous new normal"
The researchers warned that fires driven by climate change have become a "dangerous new normal" that could undermine progress made by government efforts, as reported by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post. They noted that climate change and land clearing have "shortened the fuse" on global forest fires, and without urgent action, some forests could pass a recovery threshold, according to remarks attributed to researchers in the reports.
El Niño expected to return
The warming El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to return in the middle of the year, raising the threat of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, according to reports from Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post. BBC World also noted that the arrival of El Niño could increase the likelihood and severity of forest fires.
Perspectives
The report from WRI and the University of Maryland highlights a notable slowdown in tropical forest loss, attributed largely to government policies in Brazil. However, researchers caution that the decline partially reflects a lull after extreme fire conditions in 2024, and that climate change continues to pose a growing threat.
The findings underscore both the potential for effective governmental action and the persistent challenges ahead. While the 36 percent reduction is a positive sign, the rate remains dramatically above targets for 2030, and the ongoing risk of fires fueled by climate change suggests that long-term progress is not guaranteed. The report, which has been covered by outlets worldwide, places particular emphasis on the importance of continued policy commitment in Brazil and other forest-rich nations.