A study identifies that over 17,000 tree species are at risk from rapid global change. The research analyzed 32,090 tree species over the last two decades, finding that 54.2% have been exposed to increasing threats. Only 8.7% of these species are listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, while they include 57.8% of Data Deficient species. This suggests a significant underestimation of threats and extinction risks for tree species in current assessments. The study maps hotspots of tree species exposed to rapidly changing threats globally. A data-driven approach can help prioritize species for re-evaluation, improving conservation efforts. Trees are crucial for global biodiversity and ecosystem functions, providing habitat for half the world's terrestrial flora and fauna. However, human activities during the Anthropocene are driving habitat loss, fragmentation, and over-exploitation, threatening many tree species. The study highlights the importance of considering changes in threat landscapes, as these can significantly increase extinction risks. For example, Chinese woody species are projected to face a 50% increase in extinction risk by 2070. The study found that tree cover decline and deforestation are the most significant threats, with high rates of change in species' extents. Species exposed to these threats are often not listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, indicating a need for expert-based re-evaluation. Climate change also poses significant risks, with species experiencing increased temperatures, drought, and changes in precipitation patterns. These changes can lead to diebacks and reduced forest resilience. The study identified hotspots of tree species exposed to high rates of recent global change, particularly in South American and African tropical moist broadleaf forests, and in (sub)tropical regions of China, Tanzania, and Malaysia. These hotspots highlight areas where conservation efforts are most needed. The study also found that species with small extents are more likely to be listed as threatened, but many are not being properly assessed. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating data-driven approaches with expert-based assessments to improve the accuracy of extinction risk evaluations. By quantifying recent changes in threats, the study helps prioritize species for re-evaluation, ensuring that conservation efforts are targeted and effective. The findings suggest that current IUCN Red List statuses may not adequately reflect the true risks faced by tree species, highlighting the need for more comprehensive assessments.A study identifies that over 17,000 tree species are at risk from rapid global change. The research analyzed 32,090 tree species over the last two decades, finding that 54.2% have been exposed to increasing threats. Only 8.7% of these species are listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, while they include 57.8% of Data Deficient species. This suggests a significant underestimation of threats and extinction risks for tree species in current assessments. The study maps hotspots of tree species exposed to rapidly changing threats globally. A data-driven approach can help prioritize species for re-evaluation, improving conservation efforts. Trees are crucial for global biodiversity and ecosystem functions, providing habitat for half the world's terrestrial flora and fauna. However, human activities during the Anthropocene are driving habitat loss, fragmentation, and over-exploitation, threatening many tree species. The study highlights the importance of considering changes in threat landscapes, as these can significantly increase extinction risks. For example, Chinese woody species are projected to face a 50% increase in extinction risk by 2070. The study found that tree cover decline and deforestation are the most significant threats, with high rates of change in species' extents. Species exposed to these threats are often not listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, indicating a need for expert-based re-evaluation. Climate change also poses significant risks, with species experiencing increased temperatures, drought, and changes in precipitation patterns. These changes can lead to diebacks and reduced forest resilience. The study identified hotspots of tree species exposed to high rates of recent global change, particularly in South American and African tropical moist broadleaf forests, and in (sub)tropical regions of China, Tanzania, and Malaysia. These hotspots highlight areas where conservation efforts are most needed. The study also found that species with small extents are more likely to be listed as threatened, but many are not being properly assessed. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating data-driven approaches with expert-based assessments to improve the accuracy of extinction risk evaluations. By quantifying recent changes in threats, the study helps prioritize species for re-evaluation, ensuring that conservation efforts are targeted and effective. The findings suggest that current IUCN Red List statuses may not adequately reflect the true risks faced by tree species, highlighting the need for more comprehensive assessments.