Global deforestation fell 15% in 2025, but Congo Basin losses surged
A new report finds global forest loss slowed last year, but scientists say the improvement may be temporary, with Central Africa a notable exception.
What happened
The world lost around 7 million hectares of forest in 2025, roughly the size of Ireland, a 15% drop from the previous year, according to the annual Forest Declaration Assessment.13
Losses worsened in the Congo Basin even as the global trend improved.3
Carbon absorption by forests and grasslands also bounced back in 2025 thanks to favourable growing conditions.2
Key points
- Global forest loss in 2025 totaled around 7 million hectares, an area about the size of Ireland.13
- Global forest loss declined 15% compared with the previous year, per the Forest Declaration Assessment.13
- The slowdown in forest loss is considered unlikely to last, with scientists and study authors pointing to risks ahead.13
- An intensifying El Niño weather pattern is cited as a factor that could reverse recent gains, affecting both deforestation trends and carbon absorption.23
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific causes of the deteriorating situation in the Congo Basin.
- None of the outlets reviewed gave country-by-country or regional breakdowns of forest loss figures beyond the Congo Basin mention.
- None of the outlets reviewed specified which organizations or governments produced or commissioned the Forest Declaration Assessment.
Why it matters
The report links forest cover and carbon absorption trends to broader climate patterns, including El Niño, which could affect both metrics in the coming year.23
What to watch
- Whether the slowdown in global forest loss continues or reverses as the strong El Niño pattern intensifies.
- Whether Congo Basin deforestation trends continue to worsen.
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Europe
- 2New ScientistGBPrivate
The land’s ability to store carbon has bounced back after two bad years
East Asia
- 1CGTNCNState-controlled
Forest loss slowed in 2025. Scientists say don't count on it
- 3South China Morning PostHKPrivate
Global deforestation fell in 2025, but Congo Basin losses surged