The data underscores the importance of sustainable land management practices and the urgency of addressing the causes of tree cover loss to preserve Australia's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Australia has faced a significant environmental challenge as recent data indicates a single wildfire incident in the Northern Territory on August 3, 2024. This incident adds to a history of substantial tree cover loss across the country. Over the years, Australia has witnessed a net change in tree cover that reflects a loss of 2,517,149.65 hectares, with a slight gain of 1,600,595.93 hectares. The overall disturbance to the tree cover amounts to 6,456,183.34 hectares, leading to a net loss of 916,553.72 hectares, which is a 1.03% change from the stable tree cover.
The drivers of tree cover loss have varied, with wildfires being the most significant factor, followed by forestry activities, shifting agriculture, and urbanization. Wildfires alone have accounted for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss, emphasizing the need for effective wildfire management strategies. The environmental impact of these losses is considerable, with millions of metric tons of CO2e gross emissions associated with the tree cover loss over the years.
Explore country profileThe data underscores the importance of sustainable land management practices and the urgency of addressing the causes of tree cover loss to preserve Australia's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
