Tropical forests around the world were destroyed at record rates in 2024, with an 80% increase in loss from the year before.⁣ ⁣ 67,000 square kilometers, almost the same size as Panama or the Republic of Ireland, were lost.⁣ ⁣ The main cause was fire, according to the annual report from the World Resources Institute and the University of Maryland, accounting for nearly 50% of all destruction.⁣ ⁣ In previous years fire was the cause of 20% of loss.⁣ ⁣ Canada and Russia saw each losing 52,000 square kilometers of forestry in 2024 to wildfires.⁣ ⁣ Southeast Asia bucked the global trend with Malaysia, Laos and Indonesia all posting double-digit decreases in primary forest loss, as domestic conservation policy, combined with efforts by communities and the private sector, helped to effectively contain fires and agricultural expansion.⁣ ⁣ #climate #climatechange #fires #forestfires #amazonrainforest #globalboiling