Human degradation of tropical moist forests is greater than previously estimated. A study using satellite remote sensing data and spaceborne LiDAR (GEDI) reveals that selective logging and fire reduce forest height by 15% and 50%, respectively, with low recovery rates even after 20 years. Agriculture and road expansion reduce canopy height and biomass by 20–30% at the forest edge, with effects measurable up to 1.5 km inside the forest. Edge effects encroach on 18% of remaining tropical moist forests, more than 200% larger than previously estimated. Degraded forests with over 50% canopy loss are more vulnerable to deforestation. The study highlights the significant long-term impacts of degradation on forest structure and the need for greater efforts to prevent degradation and protect already degraded forests. Tropical moist forests play a crucial role in global ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. However, degradation from selective logging, fires, and edge effects is affecting these services at a rate comparable to deforestation. The study provides new insights into the spatial patterns of forest canopy heights and the cumulative impacts of edge effects, showing that edge effects extend up to 1.5 km into the forest interior. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing forest degradation to meet conservation pledges and reduce carbon emissions. The study also shows that forest regrowth after deforestation is slow, with recovery rates taking decades. The results call for improved monitoring and conservation strategies to protect tropical forests and their critical ecosystem services.Human degradation of tropical moist forests is greater than previously estimated. A study using satellite remote sensing data and spaceborne LiDAR (GEDI) reveals that selective logging and fire reduce forest height by 15% and 50%, respectively, with low recovery rates even after 20 years. Agriculture and road expansion reduce canopy height and biomass by 20–30% at the forest edge, with effects measurable up to 1.5 km inside the forest. Edge effects encroach on 18% of remaining tropical moist forests, more than 200% larger than previously estimated. Degraded forests with over 50% canopy loss are more vulnerable to deforestation. The study highlights the significant long-term impacts of degradation on forest structure and the need for greater efforts to prevent degradation and protect already degraded forests. Tropical moist forests play a crucial role in global ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. However, degradation from selective logging, fires, and edge effects is affecting these services at a rate comparable to deforestation. The study provides new insights into the spatial patterns of forest canopy heights and the cumulative impacts of edge effects, showing that edge effects extend up to 1.5 km into the forest interior. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing forest degradation to meet conservation pledges and reduce carbon emissions. The study also shows that forest regrowth after deforestation is slow, with recovery rates taking decades. The results call for improved monitoring and conservation strategies to protect tropical forests and their critical ecosystem services.