zeit.de
Record Deforestation in 2024: Fires Double Losses, Threatening Climate Goals
In 2024, a record 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary forests were destroyed—nearly double the previous year—primarily due to fires used for agricultural land clearing, releasing 4.1 gigatons of greenhouse gases and jeopardizing global climate goals.
- How do the 2024 deforestation figures compare to previous years and global commitments to reduce deforestation by 2030?
- The surge in deforestation, largely driven by fires used to clear land for agriculture, released 4.1 gigatons of greenhouse gases—more than four times the emissions from global air travel in 2023. This undermines global efforts to curb climate change and surpasses the 2030 deforestation reduction goals set by over 140 countries in 2020, with 17 of the 20 countries with the largest primary forests showing greater losses than at the time of the pact.
- What was the extent of tropical forest loss in 2024, and what were the primary causes and immediate environmental consequences?
- In 2024, 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary forests were destroyed, nearly double the previous year's loss and a record high according to World Resources Institute (WRI) data. This equates to a loss the size of 18 football fields every minute, with fires being the leading cause at nearly 50 percent, up from around 20 percent previously.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the increased deforestation, particularly considering the role of the EU-Mercosur trade deal and the ongoing climate crisis?
- Brazil accounted for over 40 percent of the global deforestation in 2024, despite some progress under President Lula da Silva. The combination of exceptional drought and high temperatures fueled unprecedented fire spread. Concerns remain about the potential impact of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which Greenpeace fears could incentivize further deforestation due to increased agricultural production.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames deforestation as an overwhelmingly negative issue, primarily focusing on the alarming rate of loss and its devastating environmental consequences. The headline, while factually accurate, immediately sets a tone of crisis. The use of strong words like "atemberaubendem Tempo" (breathtaking speed) and "Alarmstufe Rot" (red alert) further emphasizes the urgency and negative aspects of the situation. Positive developments are mentioned but given significantly less emphasis.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, emotionally charged language, such as "Alarmstufe Rot" (red alert) and "Giftvertrag" (poison contract), which contributes to a sense of urgency and negativity. The repeated emphasis on record-high deforestation rates and the negative consequences of inaction further reinforces this tone. While this language is effective in raising awareness, it may also contribute to alarmism and hinder nuanced discussion. More neutral phrasing could be used in certain places.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative aspects of deforestation, mentioning positive developments in Southeast Asia only briefly. While acknowledging progress in some areas, the overall tone emphasizes the alarming rate of deforestation and the failure to meet global targets. The potential impact of the Mercosur trade deal is highlighted as a significant threat, but counterarguments or alternative perspectives on this deal are missing. Omission of specific government policies or international initiatives aimed at combating deforestation beyond the mention of the 2030 pledge could leave a somewhat incomplete picture.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by emphasizing the alarming situation and implying a stark choice between continued deforestation and immediate, drastic action. While acknowledging some progress in certain regions, it doesn't fully explore the nuances of different approaches to tackling the problem or the complexities of economic and political factors that contribute to deforestation.
Gender Bias
The article features one female expert, Elizabeth Goldman, and one male expert from Greenpeace, Harald Gross. While not overtly biased, the limited number of experts quoted and the lack of information about their backgrounds could be improved to ensure more balanced representation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a record-high deforestation rate in 2024, resulting in increased greenhouse gas emissions (4.1 Gigatonnes, exceeding four times the emissions from global air travel). This significantly undermines efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve the Paris Agreement goals. Deforestation reduces the planet