Tropical forest loss in the Congo Basin
The tropics lost a record 6.7 million hectares of primary forest in 2024. The Congo Basin — the planet's second lung — faces rising clearing for farming and charcoal.
How this affects people
The Congo Basin rainforest stores vast carbon, regulates rainfall across Africa and supports tens of millions of people.
Most clearing is small-scale farming and charcoal production driven by poverty and population growth, alongside logging and mining.
Look at what keeps the problem going
- 01Small-scale farming
- 02Charcoal and firewood
- 03Logging and mining roads
- 04Weak land rights
What could happen next
The future leaves room for choices. Compare the outlooks, check what supports them and notice where the evidence becomes less certain
Clearing continues
Without alternatives for energy and food, forest loss continues.
The future is not a timetable. These summaries reflect published scenarios and trends, with deeper uncertainty at longer horizons. Choices made now matter.
Where could a useful response begin?
Begin with a question you can investigate. Compare the sources and follow related briefings to see how the problem connects to other lives and places. This prototype does not accept proposals yet.
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