A lot of tropical forest was lost in 2024. The loss was double that of 2023 and the highest in 20 years. This happened because climate change made forests more likely to catch fire.
In total, 67,000 square kilometers of this forest was lost. This area is called primary forest, which means it has never been cut down before.
Experts say the El Niño weather pattern made things worse. It caused hotter and drier weather, allowing fires to spread more easily.
In Brazil, 28,000 square kilometers of primary forest was lost, which is the most since 2016. Many of these fires were started by people trying to clear land for farming.
Scientists are worried. They say forests are very important. They help our planet by storing carbon and regulating weather. Losing them can create a cycle that makes climate change worse.
Vocabulary List:
- Tropical /ˈtrɒpɪkəl/ (adjective): Relating to the tropics typically characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity.
- Primary /ˈpraɪˌmɛri/ (adjective): Of chief importance; principal.
- Experts /ˈɛkspɜrts/ (noun): Persons with a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area.
- Regulating /ˈrɛɡ.jʊ.leɪtɪŋ/ (verb): Controlling or maintaining the rate or speed of a machine or process.
- Cycle /ˈsaɪkəl/ (noun): A series of events that are regularly repeated in the same order.
- Climate /ˈklaɪmət/ (noun): The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period.
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