The Congo Basin Rainforest is the second-largest tropical rainforest on the planet with respect to area and is known for being the global leader for tropical carbon sinks as it absorbs about 600 million tons of CO2 annually just like Germany.
What Lies Below?
The Cuvette Centrale peatlands of Congo Basin Rainforest are home to 26-32 billion tons of CO2 accumulated in the earth’s crust, which is equivalent to the total amount of CO2 absorbed by trees in the basin. The carbon stored in peat will be released if peat gets dry.
What Puts Congo Basin Rainforest At Risk?
The trend of tropical forests dying in Africa was observed even in 2025 when the number of hectares went up to 2.43 million or +1.4%) while worldwide deforestation dropped by 15 percent. The main reasons behind this negative tendency are small farming, logging, mining, and bad governance. The DR Congo also sold 52 oil blocks in 2025.
Why Is It Important?
Despite the fact that the Congo Basin is lesser known than the Amazon rainforest, it is as important in terms of climate stability and is seen as a habitat for wildlife such as great apes and forest elephants. In addition, it is important for local populations.
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