Everyone knows that forests help fight climate change. However, a recent scientific report shows that the world lost 300,000 square kilometers of forests in 2024. That’s an area about the size of Italy.

According to the report, for the first time ever, fires were the biggest cause of forest loss.   ▲  . This country has the largest area of rainforest in the world. Last year, it suffered from a long period of dry weather. Wildfires broke out and spread. As a result, about 25,000 square kilometers of the primary rainforest disappeared in the country. This meant fires caused 66% of its forest loss.

The second biggest cause of the world’s forest loss was clearing land for farming. As people need more farmland, they keep cutting down forests every year. In 2024, the area of forest cleared for farming increased by 14% worldwide. The situation was more severe in developing countries. For example, Bolivia’s forest loss doubled in 2024.

Without doubt, something must be done. Experts call on governments, businesses and people to work together before it is too late. It seems that China has set a good example. Thanks to cooperation at many levels, China had the biggest increase in forest area among all countries in 2024. That year alone, newly-planted trees in China covered an area of nearly 45,000 square kilometers, according to a news report. If more countries start to take action like China, the earth will become a greener planet.