SDG 15

Life on Land

Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. 100 million hectares of forest were lost between 2000 and 2020.

Agricultural expansion drives 90% of tropical deforestation

The Numbers That Matter

100M

hectares of forest lost (2000–2020)

90%

of deforestation from agriculture

80%

of terrestrial species live in forests

15%

of land area is now protected

Why It Matters

Forests cover 31% of Earth's land area and are home to over 80% of all terrestrial species, yet they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2020, roughly 100 million hectares of forest were lost.

Read the full picture

While deforestation slowed to 10.9 million hectares per year between 2015 and 2025 (down from 17.6 million in the 1990s), the rate remains far too high — at this pace, halting deforestation would take another 25 years. Agricultural expansion drives nearly 90% of deforestation, predominantly in tropical regions that hold the most carbon and biodiversity. Forests absorb 30% of emissions from industry and fossil fuels. Some progress is emerging: Brazil cut Amazon deforestation by 50% in 2023, and Indonesia reduced deforestation by 14% in 2021–2022. Protected areas now cover 15% of terrestrial environments, but combating land degradation requires $1 billion per day through 2030, while current funding stands at just 18% of estimated needs.

Topics Covered

Reforestation

Biodiversity conservation

Soil restoration

Wildlife protection

Sustainable agriculture

Take Action

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Plant 5 Native Trees

Medium30 days+300 pts

Plant and nurture 5 native trees in your local area.

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