The trends indicate a pressing need for strategies to mitigate wildfire incidents and tree cover loss, as the ecological balance of Australia's diverse landscapes continues to be disrupted.
Australia has been facing a challenging battle against wildfires, with the latest incident reported on August 1, 2024, in the Northern Territory. This incident adds to a series of environmental concerns highlighted by the country's significant tree cover loss over the past two decades. Analysis of historical data reveals that Australia has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with a 1.03% decrease from a stable 80,328,275.65 hectares. The total tree cover loss amounted to 2,517,149.65 hectares, while gains were somewhat lower at 1,600,595.93 hectares.
The primary drivers of tree cover loss include forestry, which accounted for a substantial portion, and wildfires, which have been a significant factor, especially in recent years. In 2020 alone, wildfires were responsible for the loss of over 1.95 million hectares. Urbanization and shifting agriculture also contributed to the decline, although to a lesser extent. The environmental impact of these losses is considerable, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions released into the atmosphere.
Explore country profileThe trends indicate a pressing need for strategies to mitigate wildfire incidents and tree cover loss, as the ecological balance of Australia's diverse landscapes continues to be disrupted.
