A year of hope and hardship for the world’s forests

Forest scenery of Gede Pangrango in the morning. Photo by Ricky Martin/CIFOR-ICRAF.

[Editor’s note: This article reflects the personal views of the author and does not purport to be a comprehensive assessment].

The picture painted by the 2024 Forest Declaration Assessment, albeit relying mostly on 2023 figures, is not a pretty one. As 2024 is coming to an end, here is a reflection of the year for forests.

2024 has been marked by both positive strides and persistent challenges for the world’s forests. While innovative technologies and strengthened international cooperation offered hope, the relentless pressures of climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable use continued to threaten these vital ecosystems.

In the international and national agenda, the role of forests in mitigating and adapting to climate change is reaffirmed. More interestingly, the recognition of their role in adaptation and water cycles is finally gaining some traction.

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks and stores, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By preserving and restoring forests, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help stabilize the global climate. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s State of the World’s Forests 2024 report, forests absorb around 11 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Forests are also irreplaceable reservoirs of biodiversity, housing up to 80% of all terrestrial species and supporting the livelihoods of millions. At the UNCBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia, this role was highlighted at the launch of The Forest Factor, a report by the UNCBD and the Collaborative Partnership on Forests that highlights how forest conservation, restoration and sustainable management is key in achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets.

Lastly, forests are indispensable for climate change adaptation and the stability of hydrological systems. They regulate regional and global climates through evapotranspiration, which moderates temperatures and reduces climate variability. This cooling effect can lower temperatures in tropical regions by up to 2°C by 2100. They act as natural buffers, protecting against floods, reducing soil erosion and stabilizing water flows. Forested areas near rivers and streams provide shade, maintaining cooler water temperatures essential for aquatic life.

We have also witnessed some progress in preserving forests, recognizing the critical importance of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and interesting technological advances.

Several countries have made significant strides in their forest conservation efforts. Brazil, for instance, witnessed a notable decline in deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest, with deforestation rates dropping by 30.6%  in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to data released by Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE). Indonesia, another major player in global deforestation, also implemented stricter regulations and invested in sustainable forest management practices, leading to a 25% reduction in deforestation rates.

Technology has also been a powerful tool in advancing forest conservation. Remote sensing and satellite imagery have enabled scientists and policymakers to monitor forest health and detect illegal logging activities with unprecedented accuracy. For example, the use of satellite imagery has helped identify and track illegal logging operations in the Amazon rainforest, leading to significant seizure of illegally logged timber.

Indigenous communities, often the traditional guardians of forests, have a deep understanding of and connection to these ecosystems. For example, many Indigenous practices, such as controlled burns and agroforestry, maintain biodiversity and improve forest resilience. Their knowledge and practices have proven invaluable in sustainable forest management. Indigenous Peoples manage approximately 22% of the world’s land area, including vast tracts of forest. Indigenous-managed forests in the Amazon appear particularly effective, with deforestation rates reduced by as much as 83% compared to other areas, showcasing their vital contribution to carbon storage and climate regulation.

Despite these positive developments, which include reduced deforestation rates in some regions and advances in sustainable forest management, the challenges facing the world’s forests remain substantial. Climate change continues to exert significant pressure on forest ecosystems, with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent and intense wildfires posing severe threats. In 2023, wildfires burned an estimated 6.687 million hectares of forest globally, releasing 6.687 megatonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Preliminary data for 2024 indicates that the situation has not improved. In August 2024, there was a significant surge in global wildfire activity, with most of the increase occurring within a week. Wildfires swept the Amazon as Brazil suffered the worst drought on record, 10,400 fires were reported in Peru. The first half of the 2024 boreal summer has seen a large number of intense wildfires in eastern Russia, Canada, and Alaska, resulting in the transport of vast quantities of smoke across parts of Eurasia and North America. 

Deforestation, driven by factors such as agricultural expansion, logging and infrastructure development, persists in many regions, leading to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. In 2023, the world lost an estimated 5.4-6.4 million hectares of forest, primarily due to deforestation and forest degradation. The 2024 numbers are not available yet, but while deforestation in the Amazon has decreased, the rest of the tropical world is witnessing an uptick in deforestation. Illegal logging and, more generally, unsustainable use of forest resources remain major problems, undermining efforts to protect forests and fuelling corruption and organized crime. It is estimated that illegal logging accounts for 15-30% of global timber production. In November 2023, Interpol stated: “Illegal wildlife trade has become one of the world’s largest criminal activities. It is just becoming easier in 2024 with the help of social media.”

To address the complex challenges facing the world’s forests, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach is necessary. International cooperation is essential to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and provide financial support to countries with significant forest resources. Strong governance and effective law enforcement are crucial to combat illegal logging and ensure sustainable forest management. Investing in sustainable agriculture and alternative livelihoods can reduce pressure on forests and promote economic development. Additionally, empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities to play a role in forest conservation is essential, as they often have deep knowledge and strong ties to the land.

The future of our planet depends on the health of our forests. By prioritizing forest conservation, we can mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure the well-being of future generations.