More than a third of all tree species globally face extinction, posing serious risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, and economies worldwide, according to a new assessment by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The report reveals that 38% of tree species are now endangered, affected by threats like climate change, deforestation, invasive species, pests, and disease across nearly every country.
Trees make up over a quarter of the species listed on the IUCN’s Red List of threatened species, with the number of at-risk tree species exceeding that of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined. The loss of trees impacts thousands of dependent plants, fungi, and animals, as trees play a crucial role in carbon and nutrient cycling, water regulation, soil health, and climate stabilization. According to the U.S. Forest Service, 100 mature trees can absorb up to 54 tons of carbon dioxide and remove 430 pounds of air pollutants annually, highlighting their essential role in combating climate change.
"Trees are the backbone of many ecosystems and directly support the survival of countless species, many of which are also endangered," said Dr. Dave Hole, Vice President of Global Solutions at Conservation International's Moore Center for Science. "Healthy, biodiverse forests are essential to countering climate change and biodiversity loss. The rising number of tree species on the Red List is alarming, as a world without diverse forests faces an intensified climate crisis."
The report also emphasizes the economic importance of trees, noting that more than 5,000 tree species are harvested for timber in construction, while over 2,000 species serve as sources for medicines, food, and fuel. In 2021, world leaders representing 85% of the world’s forests committed to ending deforestation by 2030. Yet the Forest Declaration Assessment 2024 reported that 6.37 million hectares (15.7 million acres) of forest were lost last year, underscoring the slow progress toward this goal.
"We are now a third of the way through this decade, but we have barely made progress in curbing deforestation," stated the Forest Declaration Assessment.
A recent study also found that 11-16% of tree species native to the contiguous United States are at risk, with invasive pests and diseases being the greatest threats.
The IUCN assessment, funded primarily by Fondation Franklinia, involved over 1,000 tree experts. Jean-Christophe Vié, the foundation's Director General, urged action, calling for improved reforestation practices to incorporate a diverse range of species, including those at risk.
“Trees are often viewed as an easy fix for climate change, leading to widespread reforestation efforts. But the quality and diversity of tree-planting must improve to address both climate and biodiversity challenges,” Vié emphasized. “Governments, companies, and reforestation initiatives should focus on diversifying plantings and including endangered species for a more sustainable impact.”
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