Brazil, a country with a vast area of over 850 million hectares, has seen significant changes in its tree cover over the years. The tree cover extent, which once spanned over 519 million hectares, has faced various challenges, leading to a net change in tree cover of approximately -5.93%. A closer look at the data reveals that shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation activities. Forestry practices, wildfires, and urbanization also contribute to the ongoing reduction of Brazil's forests.
The impact of these drivers has led to a total tree cover loss of over 36 million hectares, partially offset by a gain of around 8 million hectares. The disturbances in the forested areas, amounting to over 23 million hectares, further complicate the picture of Brazil's environmental health. The latest incident in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, where a fire alert was registered, is a stark reminder of the persistent threats to Brazil's green canopy.
Explore country profileThis trend of tree cover loss, if continued, could have severe implications for the country's biodiversity, climate, and indigenous communities. The data underscores the urgency for strategies that balance human activities with environmental conservation to ensure the sustainability of Brazil's rich natural heritage.
