Tropical rainforests, once occupying 14% of Earth's surface, now cover only about 6% due to rampant deforestation, losing 6 million hectares annually. Located near the equator, these biodiversity hotspots play critical roles in climate regulation, oxygen production, and water cycling, as well as being reservoirs of potential medical drugs. Indigenous people are the most adept at conservation, yet economic incentives drive the exploitation of these forests for commodities like timber, beef, and soybeans. Global efforts to halt destruction include legal reinforcement, economic shifts, sustainable development, and international collaboration, but challenges remain as financial gains from deforestation often overshadow conservation benefits.
