World Rainforest Day 2025

Every year on June 22, we celebrate World Rainforest Day, a special day dedicated to the importance of rainforests in maintaining life on Earth. Founded in 2017 by the Rainforest Partnership, this day brings attention to the vital role rainforests play in protecting our climate, biodiversity, and local cultures.

Rainforests are often called the “lungs of the Earth” because they help absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They are home to thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else. The Amazon Rainforest, for example, covers 2.1 million square miles and houses 10% of the world’s known species.

However, rainforests face increasing threats. Deforestation caused by agriculture, logging, and urban expansion is destroying these vital ecosystems. Every year, we lose thousands of acres of rainforest, which not only harms wildlife but also accelerates climate change.

Regenerative agriculture

One way to help protect rainforests is through regenerative agriculture. Agriculture is responsible for nearly 90% of deforestation, and most farm soils worldwide are degrading. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The Rainforest Alliance is working to promote regenerative agriculture. This approach goes beyond “sustainable” farming by focusing on restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem function. By adopting these practices, farmers can regenerate the land instead of depleting it. The new Regenerative Agriculture Standard will help farmers grow crops in ways that are good for the environment and for future generations.

Please also read: Hope for the Amazon at last?

The fight for the Amazon

The Amazon Rainforest, one of the largest and most important rainforests in the world, is under severe threat. Rising temperatures, deforestation, and extreme weather events like heatwaves and fires are pushing the Amazon towards a tipping point. If it continues to degrade, the Amazon could turn into a dry savanna, leading to the loss of species, crops, and the vital carbon sink it provides.

In Brazil, plans for a new highway cutting through the Amazon to host the COP30 Climate Summit have sparked outrage. The road is expected to damage 13 kilometers of protected rainforest, harming ecosystems and local communities. Some worry that such development contradicts the very goals of the summit, which is meant to combat climate change. The deforestation caused by this project could lead to even more damage to the Amazon’s fragile environment.

A global movement

World Rainforest Day is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action. Governments, businesses, and individuals around the world need to act now to protect rainforests. We must support initiatives like regenerative agriculture, invest in restoration efforts, and hold leaders accountable for their actions.

In 2025, the COP30 Summit in Brazil will be a critical moment for the future of the Amazon. Global leaders will need to make strong commitments to end deforestation and restore ecosystems. The stakes are high: without urgent action, we risk losing the rainforests that are essential for our survival.

Conclusion

World Rainforest Day serves as an important reminder of the urgency of protecting our rainforests. These forests are more than just trees—they are the lifeblood of our planet, helping to regulate climate, protect biodiversity, and support millions of people. While challenges like deforestation and climate change continue to threaten them, there are solutions that can make a difference. Whether through supporting sustainable farming practices, pushing for stronger environmental policies, or making more conscious consumer choices, every effort counts. By coming together, we can ensure that rainforests remain a vital part of our planet’s future.