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Recent satellite data offers a cautious note of optimism in the ongoing battle against deforestation, indicating that the rate of tropical rainforest loss slowed significantly in 2025. This encouraging development follows a period of record losses experienced in the preceding year, 2024. Researchers estimate that approximately 43,000 square kilometres of old-growth tropical forests were destroyed globally last year, an area roughly equivalent to the size of Denmark. While this figure remains substantial, it represents a notable decline of 36% compared to the unprecedented losses observed in 2024.

This positive shift is largely attributable to intensified efforts by several nations, particularly Brazil, to curb deforestation, especially within the vital Amazon rainforest. The implementation of stronger environmental policies and stricter law enforcement has been instrumental in this reduction. Countries such as Colombia and Malaysia have also demonstrated a greater commitment to safeguarding their own forested regions. Furthermore, the decrease in widespread forest fires, which were prevalent in 2024, was partially aided by cooler weather conditions associated with the La Niña climate pattern, contributing to the overall reduction in forest loss.

Despite this welcome improvement, scientists issue a stern warning: tropical forests are still vanishing at a pace considerably faster than a decade ago. These ecosystems are indispensable, housing millions of species and playing a crucial role in absorbing vast quantities of planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A major concern for the near future is the anticipated return of the El Niño weather pattern later this year. El Niño typically brings warmer conditions, which, when combined with ongoing climate change, could substantially heighten the risk and severity of future forest fires, potentially undermining the progress achieved in 2025.

At the COP26 climate summit in 2021, world leaders collectively pledged to halt and reverse forest loss by 2030. However, current progress falls significantly short of this ambitious target. Therefore, while the slowdown in 2025 provides a glimmer of hope, the global endeavour to protect these essential natural environments is undoubtedly far from concluded.

1. What is the main idea of the article?

• A.Tropical rainforest loss has been completely reversed due to global efforts.
• B.There was a significant slowdown in tropical rainforest loss in 2025, but future threats remain a concern.
• C.Brazil alone is responsible for the global reduction in deforestation.
• D.Climate change is the only factor influencing the rate of forest loss globally.

2. What was the estimated amount of old-growth tropical forest lost globally in 2025?

• A.36% less than the previous year
• B.An area the size of Malaysia
• C.Approximately 43,000 square kilometres
• D.Much faster than a decade ago

3. According to the article, what contributed to the reduction in forest loss in 2025?

• A.Stronger environmental policies and cooler weather conditions.
• B.Only the efforts of Colombia and Malaysia.
• C.A complete halt to all illegal logging.
• D.The widespread return of El Niño weather patterns.

4. What does the author imply about the global pledge made at the COP26 summit?

• A.It has been successfully achieved ahead of schedule.
• B.It is an unrealistic goal that should be abandoned.
• C.It is on track to be met if current trends continue.
• D.Current progress is insufficient to meet the 2030 target.

5. The word ‘curb’ in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

• A.encourage
• B.limit
• C.measure
• D.increase