Analysis Summary:

The article is mostly accurate, with the primary claim of record forest loss in 2024 supported by multiple sources. The "18 soccer fields per minute" statistic is likely an approximation derived from the WRI report, and while not explicitly stated in the provided snippets, it aligns with the overall magnitude of loss described. The article exhibits a moderate bias towards highlighting the negative impacts of deforestation.

Detailed Analysis:

• Claim:** Forests around the world disappeared at a rate of 18 soccer fields every minute.
  • Verification Source #2: States that the loss of tropical primary forests alone reached 6.7 million hectares. While this doesn't directly state the "18 soccer fields per minute" claim, it provides data that could be used to calculate a similar figure.
  • Verification Source #1, #4, #5: Do not cover this specific claim.
  • Internal Knowledge:* Given the area of a soccer field (approximately 1 hectare), 6.7 million hectares translates to a significant loss per minute, making the claim plausible.
• Claim:** Fires accounted for nearly half of the losses.
  • Verification Source #1: Does not explicitly state "nearly half," but mentions that fires drove record-breaking tropical forest loss in 2024.
  • Verification Source #2: States that the record forest loss was "fueled by massive fires."
  • Verification Source #5: Supports the claim by stating that record wildfires increased in 2024.
  • Verification Source #4: States that Amazon fires drove unprecedented global forest loss.
  • Verification Source #3: Does not cover this specific claim.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

• Verification Source #2: "Loss of tropical primary forests alone reached 6.7 million hectares — nearly twice as much as in 2023 and an area nearly the size of Panama..." This supports the claim of record forest loss.
• Verification Source #4: "Amazon fires drive unprecedented global forest loss in 2024, report says..." This supports the claim that fires were a major driver of forest loss.
• Verification Source #5: "Fires emitted 4.1 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases, more than four times the emissions from all commercial air travel in 2023." This highlights the severity of the fires and their impact, contributing to a potentially biased view.
• The sources generally agree on the record forest loss in 2024 and the significant role of fires. The "18 soccer fields per minute" claim is not directly verified but is plausible given the scale of loss described in the sources.