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2 Nov 2024

Australia's Forests Face Mounting Pressure with Recent Fire Incident in Queensland
Australia's Forests Face Mounting Pressure with Recent Fire Incident in Queensland

Australia's vast landscapes have experienced a significant shift in tree cover over the years, with recent data indicating a concerning trend. The country's tree cover extent spans over 42 million hectares, yet the battle against tree cover loss is ongoing. In the latest incident, a fire alert was issued for Queensland, Australia, on November 2, 2024, adding to the challenges faced by the region's forests.

Analyzing historical data, the most substantial drivers of tree cover loss have been identified as wildfires, forestry, shifting agriculture, and urbanization. Wildfires have been particularly devastating, accounting for the majority of the tree cover loss. The period from 2019 to 2020 saw an alarming spike, with wildfires contributing to over 1.90 million hectares of lost tree cover and emitting an estimated 525 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

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Forestry activities have also played a significant role, with a notable impact on both tree cover and CO2 emissions. Shifting agriculture and urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, still add to the cumulative loss of tree cover and increase in emissions.

The net change in tree cover reveals a loss of approximately 2.50 million hectares, partially offset by gains of over 1.60 million hectares. However, the overall change remains negative, with a net loss of over 900,000 hectares, equating to a 1.03% decrease in tree cover.

This data underscores the urgency of addressing the factors contributing to tree cover loss. As incidents like the recent fire in Queensland show, the pressures on Australia's forests are not relenting. The country's rich biodiversity and the global climate are at stake, necessitating a broader discussion on sustainable land management and conservation efforts.

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