9 deforestation facts to know in 2024 (plus solutions)

Deforestation, the intentional and widespread clearing of forests, is not just an environmental issue. It is deeply intertwined with social, economic, and ethical considerations.  

Deforestation can destroy wildlife habitats, disrupt the Earth's climate system, harm local or Indigenous communities, and more. Industries like agriculture, mining, urbanization, and logging are leading examples of deforestation.  

Sustainable forestry solutions and certification systems balance the economic benefits of intentional tree cutting with the conservation of forest ecosystems and the well-being of local communities.  

In the fight for climate justice, it’s important to grasp the magnitude of the issue and its global impact. With these deforestation facts, we can form solutions and address forest loss for current and future generations.  

Table of contents: 

• The world lost 6.6 million ha of forest in 2022 
• The world fell 21 per cent short of deforestation reduction targets in 2022
• Tropical Asia is the only tropical region on track to halt deforestation by 2030
• Unsustainable food systems are a leading cause of deforestation
• Global banks finance $119 billion to deforestation
• Indigenous Peoples protect 80 per cent of the world’s remaining biodiversity
• Healthy forests directly support 1.6 billion people globally
• Europe saw 2.25 million ha of tall forests fall over 20 years
• Deforestation produced 2.7 GT of CO2 emissions in 2022
• What can we do about deforestation?

1. The world lost 6.6 million ha of forest in 2022

According to the Forest Declaration Assessment, the world witnessed a staggering loss of 6.6 million hectares of forest cover in 2022 alone. For perspective, this is around 16 million acres of land or more than 9 million football (a.k.a. soccer) fields.  

Ninety-six per cent of global deforestation occurred in tropical regions – that’s approximately 4.4 million hectares of tropical forests. And while some areas show a promising upswing in re-growth, the benefits of a mature forest take generations to fully reappear. 

Robust conservation measures are essential to reverse this alarming trend and safeguard the integrity and resilience of remaining forest ecosystems. 

Why it matters: Such extensive forest loss results in biodiversity decline and rising carbon emissions. The impact of deforestation also extends to communities that rely on forest resources.  

2. The world fell 21 per cent short of deforestation reduction targets in 2022

The New York Declaration on Forests (NYDF) is an official political statement that was created in 2014 and refreshed in 2021. This world-renowned framework encourages powerful global entities to help end deforestation by 2030.  

In 2022, the Forest Declaration Assessment reported that the world was 21 per cent short of achieving its yearly goal. Total forest loss was also four per cent higher than in 2021. 

These shortfalls are concerning. They indicate that humanity is not doing enough to keep our forests safe.  

Forest restoration is one of the most economical and accessible solutions to combat climate change. This is due to forests' wide-reaching positive impact on livelihoods and natural ecosystems around the world. 

Why it matters: Achieving the goals outlined in the NYDF is vital for limiting the effects of global warming. To accomplish this, the world needs to reduce deforestation by at least 10 per cent each year, based on calculations from the Forest Declaration Assessment. 

3. Tropical Asia is the only tropical region on track to halt deforestation by 2030

While some countries are falling behind on their goals, others are succeeding. The Forest Declaration Assessment found that Tropical Asia is the only region currently on track to halt the impact of deforestation by 2030. 

This was accomplished through robust policies, effective governance, and concerted conservation initiatives. 

By learning from the strategies and experiences of Tropical Asia, stakeholders worldwide can work together to safeguard forests and ensure a sustainable future for all. 

Brazil, while not in Tropical Asia, also deserves a notable mention. The country accounts for approximately 30 per cent of total global deforestation. Fortunately, their new government demonstrates a stronger dedication to sustainability compared to previous years. 

Mongabay found that these efforts in Brazil resulted in deforestation statistics dropping 22 per cent in Earth’s largest rainforest.  

Why it matters: These efforts provide a clear path forward. They show how robust policies and meaningful cooperation can protect forests and the communities that depend on them. While we still have a long way to go, it’s important to recognize these wins and understand what’s possible to accelerate worldwide action. 

4. Unsustainable food systems are a leading cause of deforestation

Clearing forests for agricultural expansion leads to extensive deforestation, particularly for commodities like soy, palm oil, and cattle ranching. In fact, it is the largest driver of tropical deforestation and ecosystem loss. 

The World Wildlife Fund announced that 80 per cent of global deforestation is linked to altering natural landscapes for crops and livestock. This rampant destruction of forests contributes to habitat loss and biodiversity decline while also exacerbating the effects of climate change.  

Unsustainable agricultural practices (like monoculture farming) degrade soil fertility, increase erosion, and pollute waterways. These further compromises the health and resilience of forest ecosystems. 

The deforestation graph below outlines key agricultural drivers and how they contribute to global forest loss. 

Why it matters: By transitioning to sustainable food production systems and adopting responsible consumer habits, we can help restore forests to their former glory.  

5. Global banks finance $119 billion to deforestation

It's important for the public to understand the significant financial role global banks play in deforestation.  

Without realizing it, a person could be banking with one of the financial giants, contributing an astounding $119 billion towards deforestation.  

In addition to funding deforestation, many of these institutions also profit from it. According to the Deforestation Dividends Report, the financial institutions outlined in their study earned roughly $1.74 billion from major deforestation-causing companies.  

Why it matters: Holding banks accountable for their investment decisions helps individuals make informed choices about their banking relationships and advocate for greater transparency and sustainability in the financial sector. Conversely, when banks prioritize ethical investments, they can drive significant positive change, supporting sustainable development and responsible business practices. 

6. Indigenous Peoples protect 80 per cent of the world’s remaining biodiversity

Indigenous communities play a crucial role in protecting the planet. A 2021 report by the Australian Government found that while Indigenous Peoples only make up 15 per cent of the population, they safeguard approximately 80 per cent of the world's remaining biodiversity.  

This significant contribution stems from a holistic approach to conservation, which integrates cultural, spiritual, and ecological values to sustainably maintain ancestral lands.  

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) recognizes the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in forest conservation and offers guidelines to help forest managers and companies implement Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in their practices. This fosters collaboration and empowers Indigenous communities to manage their forests according to their traditional knowledge and practices, which are often aligned with sustainable forestry principles.  

By supporting Indigenous stewardship efforts, and their role as custodians of biodiversity, we can work towards a more inclusive and effective approach to conversation.   

Why it matters: By recognizing and respecting Indigenous Peoples' role as custodians of biodiversity, we can work towards a more inclusive and effective approach to conservation. One benefits both people and the planet. 

7. Healthy forests directly support 1.6 billion people globally

According to the IUCN, healthy forests play a direct and critical role in supporting the well-being of approximately 1.6 billion people around the world. Out of these 1.6 billion people, approximately 1 billion are among the world’s most vulnerable communities.   

In addition to the 1.6 billion people who directly benefit from ecosystem services, it’s important to remember that all of humanity relies on healthy forests. They provide a wide range of ecosystem services that are essential for the survival and prosperity of the global population, approximately 8.1 billion people.  

From providing clean air and water to regulating climate patterns, forests contribute to the overall health and resilience of people and the planet.  

Why it matters: These ecosystems also serve as a source of livelihood for millions. This is especially true for rural and Indigenous communities, who depend on forest resources for essential needs, like income generation.  

8. Europe saw 2.25 million ha of tall forests fall over 20 years

The World Resources Institute found that Europe lost 2.25 million hectares of tall forests in the past 20 years. This extensive European deforestation presents a concerning trend with far-reaching implications. 

The primary reason behind this trend rests on the shoulders of timber harvesting and wildfire or insect outbreaks. These natural deforestation drivers will continue to rise in severity and extent due to climate change. 

Tall forests, with their towering canopies and diverse flora and fauna, are vital components of Europe's natural heritage. They provide crucial habitats for countless species and support essential ecosystem functions.  

In response to this alarming rate of deforestation, the European Union has introduced the Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR). This regulation determines that any traders or operators on the EU market must be able to prove that their products do not originate from a recently deforested area, nor do they contribute to forest degradation. FSC can help companies comply with EUDR and applauds these regulations as a significant step toward fighting deforestation and degradation. 

Why it matters: The disappearance of tall forests underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to promote sustainable forest management practices in Europe. 

9. Deforestation produced 2.7 GT of CO2 emissions in 2022

As forests fall, harmful CO2 emissions rise. In 2022 alone, Global Forest Watch estimated that deforestation activities released 2.7 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

These emissions occur as forests are cleared or degraded. The carbon stored in trees and soil is released into the atmosphere and intensifies the greenhouse effect.  

The rise in CO2 emissions and the destruction of forests occurred due to policy gaps, infrastructure development, agricultural expansion, logging activities, and other short-term economic interests.  

Why it matters: This alarming figure highlights the significant role of deforestation in global warming. Without comprehensive deforestation solutions, the rise in CO2 emissions will deteriorate air quality, escalate global temperatures, intensify occurrences of extreme weather events, and trigger even more repercussions associated with global warming.  

What can we do about deforestation?

Deforestation is not a simple problem. It’s a multifaceted issue with many causes and stakeholders. To effectively address the issue, we must analyse a wide breadth of deforestation data and take an equally nuanced approach. 

Forest conservation and restoration

Forest restoration and conservation are intertwined efforts aimed at preserving and enhancing the health and biodiversity of forest ecosystems. 

While conservation focuses on protecting existing forests from degradation and deforestation, restoration efforts rehabilitate degraded or deforested areas to their natural state.  

For restoration efforts to be successful, individuals should consider local factors like the customs and composition of the local community, soil conditions, and the prevailing climate. This helps ensure the chosen restoration techniques are ecologically sound and culturally appropriate. Selecting native species suited to the local environment and involving the community in the restoration process fosters long-term success.  

Together, these approaches contribute to maintaining ecological balance, mitigating climate change impacts and safeguarding critical habitats for wildlife. 

By conserving intact forests and actively restoring degraded ones, communities can promote resilience against environmental threats and ensure the long-term sustainability of forest resources. 

Sustainable forest and land management

Sustainable forest and land management practices are an essential part of combating deforestation and prioritizing overall environmental health. 

While forest management focuses on sustainable forest solutions, sustainable land management encompasses broader land-use planning and practices. These strategies prioritize environmental health across various landscapes, including forests.  

By adopting responsible land and forest management practices, stakeholders can meet the demand for products while minimizing the negative impact on ecosystems.  

Governments and organizations can also leverage FSC resources and guidance to enhance their forest management policies. This includes specific criteria and Chain of Custody Certification systems to ensure the sustainability of forest products. 

Become a steward for the forest by seeking out products with FSC labels. Millions of everyday products bear this label, confirming they were sustainably sourced in a way that prioritizes both forests and communities.

Sustainable agriculture practices

Sustainable agriculture practices help reduce the pressure put on forests by agricultural expansion. Promoting techniques such as agroforestry, and other sustainable agriculture practices, minimizes the need for clearing new land for farming.  

Agroforestry, for example, involves the intentional cultivation of trees alongside crops. This provides multiple benefits such as soil conservation, biodiversity enhancement and water conservation. 

Consumers can support sustainable agriculture by purchasing locally grown produce, reducing food waste and choosing products certified by sustainable agriculture standards. 

For nearly 30 years, FSC has championed a comprehensive approach to sustainable forest management, conservation and restoration. We all have a role to play in safeguarding life-giving forests. And it’s not too late to take action.  

Additional resources

Visit the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs for more information on their 17 Sustainable Development Goals.  

For an in-depth analysis of deforestation trends worldwide, visit the Global Forest Review from the World Resources Institute and Our World in Data’s 2021 report.  

Each of these resources provide a nuanced look into the underlying factors contributing to deforestation.  

Complementing these resources is the World Wildlife Fund, a global organization offering reports and initiatives focused on ending climate change.  

Sourcing

• Mongabay Environmental News. (2023) Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon falls 22% in 2023. https://news.mongabay.com/2023/11/deforestation-in-the-brazilian-amazon-falls-22-in-2023/ (accessed 19 March 2024). 
• World Resources Institute (2023) Timber Harvesting and Climate Change Are Depleting Europe’s Mature Forests. https://www.wri.org/insights/european-tall-forest-decline (accessed 19 March 2024).  
• Forest Declaration Assessment (2022) Forest Declaration Assessment: Are we on track for 2030? Forest Declaration Assessment Partners. https://forestdeclaration.org/resources/forest-declaration-assessment-2022/  
• Forest Declaration Assessment (2021) New York Declaration on Forests. Forest Declaration Assessment Partners. https://forestdeclaration.org/resources/the-new-york-declaration-on-forests/ (accessed 20 March 2024).  
• Gagen, M., Dudley, N., Jennings S., Timmins H., et al. (2023). The Forest Pathways Report WWF 2023. World Wildlife Fund Inc. (Also available at https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?9899941/Forest-Pathways-Report-2023, accessed 19 March 2024).  
• Global Witness (2021) Deforestation Dividends: How global banks profit from rainforest destruction and human rights abuses. Global Witness (Also available at https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/forests/deforestation-dividends/, accessed 19 March 2024).  
• Grattan, S. (2023) World Far off Track on Pledges to End Deforestation by 2030 - Report. Reuters. (Also available at www.reuters.com/business/environment/world-far-off-track-pledges-end-deforestation-by-2030-report-2023-10-23/, accessed 19 March 2024). 
• Haupt F., Matson E., Rynearson A., Long I., et al. (2023) Off Track and Falling Behind: Tracking Progress on 2030 Forest Goals. Forest Declaration Assessment. (Also available at https://forestdeclaration.org/, accessed 20 March 2024). 
• IUCN (2021) Deforestation and forest degradation. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. (Also available at https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/deforestation-and-forest-degradation, accessed 18 March 2024). 
• Ritchie, H. (2021) Cutting down forests: what are the drivers of deforestation? Our World In Data 23 February. (Also available at https://ourworldindata.org/what-are-drivers-deforestation, accessed 20 March 2024).  
• Trewin B., Morgan-Bulled D., and Cooper S. (2021) Climate: National and international frameworks. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Canberra. (Also available at  https://soe.dcceew.gov.au/climate/management/national-and-international-frameworks DOI: 10.26194/rdze-5d59, accessed 18 March 2024). 
• UN [2012] The 17 Goals United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. https://sdgs.un.org/goals (accessed 20 March 2024).  
• Weisse, M., Goldman, E., and Carter, S. (2023) Forest Pulse: The Latest on the World’s Forests. World Resources Institute Global Forest Review. (Also available at https://research.wri.org/gfr/latest-analysis-deforestation-trends, accessed 20 March 2024). 
• Weisse M., Goldman L., and Carter, S. (2023) Tropical Primary Forest Loss Worsened in 2022. Global Forest Watch Content 27 June. (Also available at https://www.globalforestwatch.org/blog/insights/global-tree-cover-loss-data-2022/, accessed 19 March 2024). 
• WWF (2019) Sustainable agriculture. World Wildlife Fund Inc. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/sustainable-agriculture (accessed 19 March 2024).