Argentina's forests are facing a critical challenge with significant tree cover loss driven primarily by shifting agriculture and wildfires. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of 3,556,753 hectares of tree cover, which constitutes a 10.45% decrease in its forested areas. Shifting agriculture remains the leading cause of deforestation, accounting for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss each year. This practice, along with forestry activities, has contributed to the majority of the carbon emissions associated with tree cover loss.
Wildfires, although less significant in terms of hectares lost, continue to pose a serious risk to Argentina's forests. The latest incident reported on August 2, 2024, in Santa Fe Province, underscores the ongoing threat of fire to these critical ecosystems. The cumulative effect of these drivers of deforestation has not only reduced the extent of tree cover but also released vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
Explore country profileThe data reveals a concerning trend where the gains in tree cover are vastly outpaced by the losses, leading to a net negative impact on Argentina's forest health. The stability of over 27 million hectares of tree cover is at stake if these patterns continue. The implications of this loss extend beyond environmental degradation, potentially affecting biodiversity, water cycles, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on forest resources.
