Doubling of annual forest carbon loss over the tropics during the early twenty-first century

Abstract Previous estimates of tropical forest carbon loss in the twenty-first century using satellite data typically focus on its magnitude, whereas regional trajectories and associated drivers are rarely reported. Here we used different high-resolution datasets to show a doubling gross worldwide from 0.97 ± 0.16 PgC yr −1 2001–2005 1.99 0.13 2015–2019. This increase conversion is higher than bookkeeping models forced by land-use statistical data, which no trend or slight decline emissions early century. Most (82%) at some stages with large-scale commodity small-scale agriculture activities, particularly Africa Southeast Asia. We find that ~70% former lands converted 2001–2019 remained so 2020, confirming dominant role long-term pan-tropical reductions formerly forested landscapes. The acceleration high rate suggest existing strategies reduce not successful; this failure underscores importance monitoring deforestation trends following new pledges made Glasgow.