- Researchers warn forest loss is a health risk.
- They studied the years 2001 to 2020.
- Loss of trees raises local temperatures.
- About 345 million people faced warming.
- Deforestation caused about 28,000 heat deaths yearly.
- Most exposed people lived in Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Latin America lost the largest forest area.
- Trees cool land, and loss makes heat worse.
- Governments pledged to stop forest loss by 2030.
- Experts call for action to save lives.
Difficult words
- deforestation — Cutting down many trees.
- tree — A tall plant with branches.trees
- health — Being free from sickness.
- heat — Warmth or high temperature.heat deaths
- die — To stop living.deaths
- nature — The world around us.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think happens if many trees are cut down?
- Why are trees important for our health?
- How can we help to prevent deforestation?
Related articles
Nepal’s cement industry: growth, jobs and pollution
After the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, Nepal expanded cement production with large investments, especially from Chinese firms. By 2019 it became self-sufficient and started exports to India in July 2022, while social and environmental problems grew.
Rwanda strengthens response to Rift Valley Fever outbreak
Rwanda reported a second Rift Valley Fever outbreak near the Tanzania border and has increased surveillance and livestock vaccination. Officials say lack of rapid diagnostic tests slows detection, while a human vaccine candidate enters Phase II trials.
Table tennis players plant trees to help Safashahr
In Safashahr a local table tennis association links sport and nature. Players, families and residents planted drought‑resistant trees and ran volunteer campaigns to help a worsening water crisis. The group plans further action with local authorities.
New oral Listeria vaccine shows promise against colorectal cancer
Researchers report a modified oral vaccine made from Listeria that primes immune cells in the gut and limits tumor growth in mice. The vaccine worked best when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors and caused few side effects.