Scientists Warn Primary Forest Loss Is Undermining Global Climate Efforts

(MENAFN) According to reports, scientists in Türkiye have warned that ongoing destruction of primary forests is significantly reducing global carbon storage capacity, potentially making efforts to combat climate change far more difficult or even unachievable.

An analysis released by the World Resources Institute found that while tropical primary forest loss declined by 36% in 2025 compared to 2024, the overall scale of destruction remains severe.

Around 4.3 million hectares of tropical forests were still lost, representing a 46% increase compared with levels recorded a decade ago.

The report highlighted varying rates of forest loss across different countries. Brazil recorded a decline of 0.47% in its primary forests over the past year, while Bolivia experienced a loss of 1.52%. The Democratic Republic of Congo saw a reduction of 0.53%, Indonesia 0.32%, Peru 0.25%, Cameroon 0.55%, Madagascar 1.9%, Colombia 0.15%, Laos 0.97%, and Malaysia 0.41%.

In terms of absolute forest area lost during the same period, Brazil led with 1.63 million hectares. Bolivia followed with 620,000 hectares, while the Democratic Republic of Congo lost 560,000 hectares and Indonesia 300,000 hectares. Additional losses included 170,000 hectares in Peru, 110,000 in Cameroon, 90,000 in Madagascar, 80,000 each in Colombia and Laos, and 70,000 in Malaysia, according to reports.

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