The Changing World of Tropical Rainforests

Tropical rainforests are some of the most vibrant, diverse, and essential ecosystems on our planet. Have you heard that they are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” because they play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide and providing oxygen? Then, did you know rainforests cover about 7% of the Earth’s surface but host nearly half of the world’s species? They’re teeming with life, holding a remarkable array of plants, animals, and microorganisms, many of which are still undiscovered.

But here’s the thing: These incredible forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. The changes happening in tropical rainforests right now should concern all of us. Why? This is because what happens to these forests affects everything — from climate change to the biodiversity that sustains life on Earth, including our own.

Let’s take a deep dive into what’s happening to the world’s tropical rainforests, how they are changing, and why we all need to care about their future. You’ll see why preserving these forests is not just an environmental issue, but one that touches every aspect of life on this planet.

The Vital Role of Tropical Rainforests

Before we get into the concerning trends, let’s first talk about why tropical rainforests are so important.

1. They Absorb Carbon and Fight Climate Change

Tropical rainforests are massive carbon sinks. They store carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. So, they mitigate the effects of climate change. In fact, they absorb about 1.3 billion tons of carbon each year. The weight of 1.3 billion tons is about 13,000 times the weight of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

2. They Are Biodiversity Hotspots

Rainforests are home to about 50% of the planet’s species. That’s right, half of all the species on Earth live in these forests! From the colorful frogs of Central America to the majestic jaguars of the Amazon, tropical rainforests are unparalleled in terms of biodiversity. If these forests did not exist, we would lose an incredible diversity of species. This would, in turn, make it much harder for us to survive, as the planet’s ecological balance would be disrupted.

3. They Regulate Weather and Water Cycles

If rainforests did not exist, extreme weather events would likely become more frequent and severe. Many regions would experience harsher droughts, and water scarcity could become an even more critical global issue. Rainforests help stabilize rainfall patterns, especially in tropical areas. Their trees absorb and release moisture into the atmosphere, generating rainfall and regulating weather. Additionally, they play a vital role in maintaining the global water cycle.

4. They Support Indigenous Communities

For many Indigenous peoples, tropical rainforests are home. It is estimated that around 400 million indigenous people live in tropical rainforests around the world. These communities rely on the forest for food, medicine, shelter, and culture. The destruction of rainforests threatens their way of life and cultural heritage. The rainforests are not just places of ecological wonder, but also homes to millions of people who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries.

The Dire State of Tropical Rainforests Today

While rainforests offer so much to the planet, they’re facing unprecedented threats. And those threats aren’t just distant or abstract—they’re happening right now, and they need our immediate attention.

1. Deforestation: The Dying of the Lungs of the Earth

You’re aware that tropical forests are disappearing, right? But do you know how quickly this is happening? Between 1990 and 2020, the world lost approximately 420 million hectares of forest, with tropical forests being the most severely impacted. How large is that? Is it roughly the size of one country, or maybe 5-6 countries? In fact, it’s an area bigger than the entire landmass of Europe! During the 2010s alone, we lost around 16 million hectares of tropical forest each year. That’s like losing an entire country, such as Italy, every year.

2. The Role of Agriculture and Logging

Why does it happen? A huge reason of this deforestation is the demand for land to grow crops, particularly for products like soy, palm oil, and cocoa, as well as for livestock farming. Palm oil, in particular, is one of the biggest culprits, especially in Southeast Asia. In countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, vast swathes of rainforest have been cleared to make way for palm oil plantations, contributing to the loss of biodiversity and carbon storage capacity. According to the report from the Global Forest Watch, just in 2019 alone, approximately 3.6 million hectares of tropical forests were destroyed, much of it for agriculture.

Additionally, illegal logging continues to ravage forests, particularly in places like the Amazon. The illegal timber trade is worth an estimated $152 billion globally each year. Illegal logging leads to the destruction of entire ecosystems. These activities are hindering conservation efforts and leading to irreversible harm.

3. Mining and Fires

Mining is another major threat to tropical rainforests. In countries like Brazil and Indonesia, forests are being cleared for mining operations. As a result, issues like habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil degradation are becoming increasingly common and intense. But perhaps even more alarming are the fires that have become a regular part of deforestation. According to data from INPE, the Amazon rainforest experienced a significant increase in fires between 2019 and 2020, with 90,000 fires documented.

4. The Impact of Climate Change

We cannot ignore the impact that climate change itself is having on these forests. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns are putting immense pressure on tropical rainforests. Scientists are concerned that, in some regions, tropical forests like the Amazon could start to dry out and transform into savannas. Now, you can imagine what will happen due to the loss of these forests: it would result in a massive loss of biodiversity. And the carbon storage capacity of these forests, further accelerating global warming.

Efforts to Protect Tropical Rainforests

Despite these challenges, there is still hope. Around the world, efforts to protect and restore tropical rainforests are gaining momentum. Governments, organizations, and individuals are taking action, and there have been some positive steps forward in the last few years.

1. The Amazon Rainforest: A Crucial Battleground

The Amazon rainforest, as the largest tropical rainforest, is a vital part of this, accounting for around one-third of all remaining tropical rainforests on Earth. This is at the center of many conservation efforts. In Brazil, the government has begun to implement stronger measures against illegal logging and land grabbing. Of course, there is still much work to be done, though. International attention on the Amazon has also increased, with global initiatives pushing for stronger protection policies and funding for restoration projects. For instance, initiatives like the Amazon Fund and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) are working to promote sustainable development and protect biodiversity.

2. Southeast Asia: A Push for Sustainability

Do you remember that I mentioned palm oil plantation in Southeast Asia. At this area, palm oil producers are being encouraged to adopt more sustainable practices. Initiatives like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) are working to ensure that palm oil production does not lead to further deforestation. By 2023, over 20% of global palm oil production was certified under the RSPO. While challenges remain, there is progress in promoting responsible agricultural practices.

3. The Congo Basin: Africa’s Tropical Treasure

The Congo Basin in Africa is another critical rainforest that is under threat, but also under increasing protection. Efforts to combat illegal logging and improve forest management are underway. Conservation groups are working closely with governments and local communities to preserve this vital ecosystem.

4. Global Restoration Movements: Planting for the Future

On the global stage, initiatives like the Bonn Challenge are working to restore millions of hectares of degraded land. By 2030, the goal is to restore 350 million hectares of land, much of which will include tropical forests. In addition, the Trillion Trees Initiative aims to plant and protect one trillion trees by 2030, which could help reduce global carbon emissions significantly. Especially, these initiatives are often aligned with efforts that can generate carbon credits. These credits are increasingly gaining attention worldwide.

Conclusion: The Future of Tropical Rainforests Is in Our Hands

Tropical rainforests are much more than just trees. They are the heart of our planet’s biodiversity, a critical defense against climate change, and essential to Indigenous cultures. It’s crucial that we protect them and prevent further damage. Does taking action seem too overwhelming? Don’t worry! You can make a difference no matter where you are or who you are. The key lies in carbon credits! By supporting initiatives through carbon credits, you can contribute to conservation efforts. And with verification from independent auditors, you can confidently back these initiatives. We’re here to help you! Let’s start making an impact together!