Tropical forest destruction eased in 2025, dropping from a record high. According to the Global Forest Watch initiative, clearing for farmland or by wildfires declined by 36% last year, marking the lowest level of forest razing in the last decade.
Researchers credit the slowdown to decisive policies implemented by Brazil's President Lula da Silva to curb deforestation. These measures have helped keep trees standing despite ongoing pressures from expanding agricultural frontiers.
Despite the progress, scientists warn that tropical rainforests are still disappearing rapidly. Furthermore, global warming is making wildfires more frequent and intense, continuing to pose a threat to these ecosystems.