The rate of forest destruction worldwide has significantly increased in 2020, losing at least 42,000 square kilometers of trees in primary tropical regions. The data from the University of Maryland and the online monitoring network Global Forest Watch stated that the effect was above average for the last 20 years, with 2020 being the third-worst year for forest destruction since the monitoring began in 2002. The losses were particularly serious in tropical rainforests like Amazon, Congo, and in Southeast Asia. These rainforests play an important role in regulating global climate and as a habitat for numerous species. Overall, 12.2 million hectares of trees were lost in 2020, an increase of 12% compared to 2019.

A vital United Nations (UN) summit about climate change called the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNCOP26) talks will be hosted by the United Kingdom this November. Frances Seymour, a distinguished senior fellow at the World Resources Institute, said that forests need to be a part of the discussion for the UNCOP26. The UNCOP26’s president, Alok Sharma, stated that wealthy countries should help developing countries that take the effect of climate change. Sharma said that developed countries have a particular responsibility to support communities most vulnerable to climate change.