World Rainforest Day 2026: Why we celebrate it and 5 rainforests the world can't afford to lose

Every year on June 22, people around the world observe World Rainforest Day, a global awareness day dedicated to protecting some of the planet's most important ecosystems. Rainforests cover less than 10 per cent of Earth's surface, yet they support more than half of all known plant and animal species and play a crucial role in regulating the world's climate.

As concerns over climate change, biodiversity loss and deforestation continue to grow, World Rainforest Day serves as a reminder that these forests are not just distant wildernesses. They influence the air we breathe, the water we drink and the stability of the planet itself.

Why do we celebrate World Rainforest Day?

World Rainforest Day was established in 2017 by the non-profit Rainforest Partnership to draw attention to the threats facing tropical rainforests and the communities that depend on them.

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According to the World Resources Institute, the world lost millions of hectares of tropical primary rainforest in recent years, driven largely by agriculture, logging, mining and infrastructure development. Many of these forests have stood for centuries, making their destruction difficult—if not impossible—to reverse within a human lifetime.

The consequences extend far beyond the forests themselves. Rainforests store vast amounts of carbon that would otherwise remain in the atmosphere. When trees are cut down or burned, that carbon is released, contributing to climate change.They also regulate rainfall patterns, protect watersheds and provide food, medicine and livelihoods for millions of people.  Scientists have also warned that continued deforestation could push key ecosystems such as the Amazon closer to ecological tipping points, where they may struggle to recover.

The Amazon Rainforest, South America

Often called the "lungs of the Earth", the Amazon is the world's largest rainforest, stretching across nine countries in South America. It is home to around 10 per cent of all known wildlife species and stores enormous amounts of carbon.

The Amazon also influences weather systems far beyond South America, making its health critical to the global climate.

The Congo Rainforest, Central Africa

Second only to the Amazon in size, the Congo Rainforest spans several Central African countries. It is home to iconic species such as forest elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees.

The forest is one of the world's largest carbon sinks and supports millions of people through fishing, farming, and forest-based livelihoods.

The Daintree Rainforest, Australia

Estimated to be around 180 million years old, Australia's Daintree Rainforest is believed to be one of the oldest surviving rainforests on Earth.

Located in Queensland, it is famous for its unique biodiversity, with many species found nowhere else in the world. The rainforest is also significant to Indigenous communities that have lived alongside it for thousands of years.

The Sundarbans, India and Bangladesh

The Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by India and Bangladesh.

Known for its network of tidal waterways and dense mangrove vegetation, it is one of the last strongholds of the Bengal tiger. The forest also acts as a natural shield against cyclones and coastal erosion.

The Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, Chile and Argentina

Unlike tropical rainforests, the Valdivian Rainforest experiences cooler temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year.

This South American ecosystem is home to ancient trees, rare amphibians and species that exist nowhere else on Earth. Its unique biodiversity makes it one of the world's most important temperate forests.

Why rainforests matter more than ever

Rainforests are among the planet's most powerful natural allies in the fight against climate change. Yet many of these ecosystems are under increasing pressure from deforestation, mining, agriculture and rising global temperatures. What happens in the Amazon, Congo, or Sundarbans does not stay there: it affects weather patterns, wildlife and communities across the world.

World Rainforest Day is ultimately a reminder that protecting rainforests is not only about saving trees. It is about safeguarding some of the Earth's most effective defences against climate change and preserving ecosystems that future generations will depend on.