10 football pitches of rainforest lost every minute in 2023

In total, primary rainforest loss totalled 3.7 million ha, or about the size of Bhutan

- David Fogarty

Every minute in 2023, the world lost the equivalent of 10 football pitches of tropical primary forest cover, a global study released on April 4 showed.

In total, primary rainforest loss totalled 3.7 million ha, or about the size of Bhutan. That is down 9 per cent from 2022, but still stubbornly high and similar to the totals in 2021 and 2019. Primary forest refers to pristine forest that exists in its original condition.

A dramatic drop in forest loss in Brazil and Colombia in 2023 was offset by rises in Indonesia, Laos and Bolivia, among other countries, the study by the World Resources Institute's Global Forest Watch platform and the University of Maryland showed.

The figures are concerning because mature rainforests are vital storehouses of nature which soak up large amounts of planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) and regulate regional and local climates.

They also provide food and livelihoods for millions of people and are major sources of fresh water for rivers.

Despite their many benefits, these forests are being cleared at an alarming rate for agriculture, mining, roads and urbanisation.

This is despite a pledge in 2021 by more than 140 countries to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.

The annual study used satellite data to calculate forest loss from clearing, fires or other causes. The scientists involved focused mainly on the loss of tropical primary forests because almost all deforestation takes place in the tropics.