A global synthesis of hydrological sensitivities to deforestation and forestation

•Hydrological sensitivities (HSf) to both deforestation and forestation, and their contributing factors are synthesized around the globe.•Hydrological sensitivities to forestation are significantly larger than to deforestation.•Annual climate is the primary contributor to HSf, but intra-annual synchronicity of water and energy has a significant impact on HSf to forestation.•Watershed properties such as LAI, watershed size, and water retention capacity also contribute to HSf.