Brazil, a country with a vast expanse of over 850 million hectares, is home to a significant portion of the world's tree cover. However, it has faced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 28 million hectares, marking a 5.93% decrease. This decline is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which accounts for the largest share of tree cover loss, followed by forestry activities. The impact of urbanization and wildfires, although comparatively smaller, also contributes to the overall reduction in tree cover.
The latest incident in the State of Maranhão, Brazil, where a fire alert was registered, is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing its natural resources. Over the years, the data reveals a fluctuating yet persistent pattern of tree cover loss, with the highest recorded in 2016, at over 5.30 million hectares. The subsequent years have seen a slight decrease in loss, but the numbers remain alarmingly high.
Explore country profileThe repercussions of this loss extend beyond the immediate environmental damage, as the country grapples with the broader implications for biodiversity, climate change, and the well-being of indigenous communities. The incidents of fire alerts, such as the one reported, are symptomatic of a larger issue that requires sustained attention and action.
