Tropical forests destroyed at fastest recorded rate last year

Tropical forests faced record destruction in 2024 due to fires and land clearances, alarming researchers who fear a tipping point may be near. The loss of 67,000 sq km of old-growth forests threatens biodiversity and worsens climate change. Despite global trends, some progress was seen in South East Asia, where government policies helped reduce forest loss. Nations are urged to act at COP30 to protect tropical forests and incentivize conservation efforts.