Russia, a country with a vast expanse of forests, has faced a significant shift in its tree cover over the past two decades. With an area of over 1.68 billion hectares, of which approximately 761 million hectares are covered by trees, the nation has experienced a net change in tree cover that is both alarming and revealing. The data indicates a net loss of around 37.40 million hectares, with a nearly equivalent gain of about 37.20 million hectares, leading to a marginal net loss of 176,088 hectares. This translates to a negligible net change percentage of approximately -0.02%.
Wildfires have been a predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the total loss each year. The latest incident in the Sakha Republic is a continuation of this trend, with a reported fire alert on August 2, 2024. Over the years, forestry activities have also contributed significantly to the loss, while shifts in agriculture have had a minor impact in comparison.
Explore country profileThe fluctuations in tree cover highlight the dynamic nature of Russia's forests, which are subject to both natural and human-induced disturbances. The data underscores the need for a closer examination of the causes behind these changes and the implementation of strategies to manage and mitigate their impact on the environment.
