The United States has witnessed a concerning trend in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with a significant portion attributed to wildfires. The latest incident, a fire alert in Kansas, underscores the ongoing challenge. Analysis of historical data reveals that from 2001 to 2022, the United States experienced a net loss of 1.23% in tree cover, equating to a reduction of approximately 3.49 million hectares. This loss is juxtaposed against a gain of roughly 13.99 million hectares, highlighting the dynamic and often destructive nature of forest cover change.
Forestry activities have been the primary driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the majority of the hectares lost annually. Wildfires, however, have been a significant and growing concern, with over 688,000 hectares affected in 2022 alone, representing a substantial increase from previous years. Urbanization also plays a role, contributing to the loss of over 97,000 hectares in the same year.
Explore country profileThe net change in tree cover indicates a complex interplay between loss and gain, with disturbances such as wildfires creating a fluctuating landscape. The stable tree cover area remains vast, yet the persistent loss and the role of wildfires in this dynamic are alarming. The incident in Kansas serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and strategies to mitigate the impact of these events on the United States' forests.
