World losing 10M hectares of tropical forest every year, UN warns

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The UN Office at Geneva on Monday sounded the alarm over the continued destruction of tropical forests, warning that the world loses 10 million hectares every year and urging governments to use the ongoing COP30 climate summit as a turning point to halt deforestation.

In a message posted on the US social media company X, the office said each hectare lost "means less biodiversity, weaker climate resilience, and greater risk for communities."

The UN said COP30, which runs from Nov. 10 to Nov. 21, represents a critical opportunity for countries to shift from pledges to concrete and urgent action, saying: "COP30 is a chance to stop deforestation and invest in nature's recovery."

Tropical forests absorb vast amounts of carbon, regulate regional rainfall, and host most of the planet's terrestrial species. Their destruction increases the likelihood of extreme weather events, reduces natural carbon sinks, and exposes already vulnerable communities to climate-related risks.