Introduction
In 2024, Mexico experienced a record-breaking loss of 9.2 million hectares of primary forest cover, marking the most significant impact reported by the country so far and one of the worst global records, according to a World Resources Institute (WRI) report.
Regional Impact and Causes
The report highlights that Mexico, along with other regional nations, has suffered from high temperatures leading to forest fires and subsequent loss of hectares. Forest fires accounted for at least 60% of the primary forest loss in Belize, Guatemala, Guyana, and Mexico. These fires had devastating impacts on local communities, including hazardous air quality and loss of lives and homes.
Mexico’s Ranking Among Tropical Forest Losses
According to the WRI report, Mexico and Nicaragua experienced significant increases in primary forest loss in 2024, partly due to fires. This placed both countries among the top 10 with the greatest loss of tropical primary forests globally.
Regional Comparison
Within Latin America, Peru led the countries with the most forest loss in 2024, with 69 million hectares; followed by Guyana (17 million), Mexico (9.2 million), Guatemala (2.6 million), Nicaragua (2 million), and Belize (1.2 million).
Domestic Factors Contributing to Forest Loss
The WRI report indicates that Mexico’s primary forest loss nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024, primarily due to fires. The National Forest Commission of Mexico (CONAFOR) reported over 8,000 fires and the largest burned area ever recorded. Additionally, commercial agriculture, including cattle ranching and soybeans, is replacing primary forests. Half of Mexico’s 2024 primary forest loss occurred in Campeche and Quintana Roo, where the Mennonite presence has grown, establishing intensive monoculture systems.
Global Forest Loss Overview
The WRI report also states that in 2024, tropical forests disappeared at a rate of 18 football fields per minute globally, equivalent to the area of Panama. This loss alone in 2024 caused 3.1 gigatonnes (Gt) of greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to India’s annual CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use.
Primary Causes of Forest Loss in 2024
In 2024, fires were the main cause of forest loss, although illegal logging increased by 14% compared to 2023.
WRI Report’s Significance
The WRI report emphasizes the importance of monitoring forests within the framework of the 2021 Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration, signed by presidents and leaders of 145 nations committed to “halting and reversing forest loss by 2030.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue addressed in the WRI report? The WRI report highlights Mexico’s record-breaking loss of 9.2 million hectares of primary forest cover in 2024 and its implications as one of the worst global forest loss records.
- What factors contributed to Mexico’s forest loss? High temperatures led to forest fires, while commercial agriculture and the growing Mennonite presence in Campeche and Quintana Roo also played significant roles.
- How does Mexico’s forest loss compare to other Latin American countries? Mexico ranked 6th among Latin American nations with the most primary forest loss in 2024, with Peru leading at 69 million hectares.
- What is the global significance of the forest loss in 2024? Tropical forests disappeared at a rate of 18 football fields per minute globally in 2024, causing substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
- Why is the WRI report important? The report underscores the necessity of monitoring forests to meet the 2030 commitment outlined in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration.
