Archive · 1 Aug 2025
Colombia's Deforestation Jumps 43% in 2024 Amidst Amazon Losses
Imagine Colombia, a country with lots of trees, is losing them faster than before.
In the first half of this year, a lot more trees were cut down compared to last year - about 43% more!
This happened because of things like fires from dry weather (linked to climate change), people taking land, growing crops illegally, and building roads.
Most of the lost trees were in the Amazon, where lots of special plants and animals live.
Colombia has a lot of forests and is trying to protect them because they are important.
Colombia's deforestation increased by 43% in the first half of 2024.
Approximately 113,608 hectares (1,136 square km) of forest were destroyed.
The majority of deforestation occurred in the Amazon region, accounting for over 65% of the loss.
Forest fires, spurred by drought and climate change, were a contributing factor.
Land-grabbing, livestock farming, illegal road construction, and illicit crops were also key drivers.
- Who
- Colombia's environment ministry
- What
- Deforestation in Colombia surged by 43% in the first half of 2024.
- When
- In the first half of 2024
- Where
- Colombia, mainly in the Amazon region
- Why
- Partly due to forest fires spurred by drought, fuelled by climate change, land-grabbing, livestock farming, illegal road construction, and illicit crops.
- Deforestation Increase
- 43%
- Area Destroyed
- 113,608 hectares (1,136 square km)
- Amazon Region Loss
- Over 65%
- Key Drivers
- Forest fires, land-grabbing, livestock, illegal crops
