Environmental Studies and Forestry

Human degradation of tropical moist forests is greater than previously estimated

C. Bourgoin, G. Ceccherini, et al.

Tropical forest degradation through selective logging, fire, and edge effects is comparable to deforestation in its impact on carbon and biodiversity loss. This research, conducted by C. Bourgoin and colleagues, reveals significant height decreases in forests due to these activities, with slow recovery observed even after two decades. Alarmingly, edge effects now threaten 18% of remaining tropical moist forests. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced efforts to combat forest degradation.