Forest litter decomposition is influenced by a combination of climatic and litter-specific factors, with actual evapotranspiration (AET) being the primary global determinant. However, local variations in litter chemistry, such as lignin concentration, water-soluble compounds, and nitrogen content, significantly affect decomposition rates. Despite the development of models like those by Meentemeyer (1978, 1984), which relate decomposition rates to AET and lignin, these models often fail to accurately predict decomposition in ecosystems outside temperate zones, such as boreal and wet tropical forests. The models also struggle to explain differences in decomposition rates among species within temperate forests. The main issues include a bias towards temperate ecosystems, high inter-correlations between litter and soil chemistry, and insufficient large-scale studies. Recent studies suggest that factors like leaf toughness, nutrient availability, and soil conditions play crucial roles in decomposition, especially in tropical ecosystems where leaching of dissolved organic matter is significant. The need for more comprehensive, large-scale studies with diverse chemical data is emphasized to improve decomposition models. International collaboration is recommended to address data gaps and enhance understanding of decomposition processes globally.Forest litter decomposition is influenced by a combination of climatic and litter-specific factors, with actual evapotranspiration (AET) being the primary global determinant. However, local variations in litter chemistry, such as lignin concentration, water-soluble compounds, and nitrogen content, significantly affect decomposition rates. Despite the development of models like those by Meentemeyer (1978, 1984), which relate decomposition rates to AET and lignin, these models often fail to accurately predict decomposition in ecosystems outside temperate zones, such as boreal and wet tropical forests. The models also struggle to explain differences in decomposition rates among species within temperate forests. The main issues include a bias towards temperate ecosystems, high inter-correlations between litter and soil chemistry, and insufficient large-scale studies. Recent studies suggest that factors like leaf toughness, nutrient availability, and soil conditions play crucial roles in decomposition, especially in tropical ecosystems where leaching of dissolved organic matter is significant. The need for more comprehensive, large-scale studies with diverse chemical data is emphasized to improve decomposition models. International collaboration is recommended to address data gaps and enhance understanding of decomposition processes globally.