Based on Global Forest Watch, 2025 witnessed approximately 42 percent of losses in the global tree cover area of 25.5 million hectares as wildfires forest loss. The amount of general land set on fire has almost doubled in comparison to 20 years ago.
Is it Accurate to Say Fire Equals Deforestation?
Not exactly. While the loss of tree due to wildfires forest loss cover may refer to both natural and temporary losses and boreal forests may regenerate, deforestation indicates permanent disappearance. Agriculture is the main reason behind tree cover loss in tropical countries.
Where is Fire causing the Biggest Damage?
Canada had the second-worst fire year in history, with the forest area burnt equal to 5.3 million hectares. In France, losses due to fire were seven times higher than in 2024, whereas checking the situation in Spain and Portugal, around 60 percent of losses can be attributed to fire.
And What About the Tropics?
The loss of tropical primary forests fell by 36 percent in 2025 compared to the previous record figure, totaling 4.3 million hectares of tree cover. However, fire risks rise with drought and heat.
Read more Environmental Changes
Is the Amazon near a tipping point?
Learn how close diebacks really are.
Where is carbon really stored?
Meet the overlooked peatlands beneath our feet.
Are we in a sixth mass extinction?
Find out if we are already in it.
Why are winters losing their snow?
Learn about snow droughts.
Why are cyclones strengthening faster?
Read about rapid intensification and why it matters.
