The overall tree cover extent of the United States stands at approximately 279 million hectares, which has seen a net change in tree cover characterized by a loss of 17.47 million hectares and a gain of 13.99 million hectares. The net loss, therefore, amounts to approximately 3.49 million hectares, which translates to a 1.23% decrease in tree cover. This loss of green cover not only affects the biodiversity and ecosystems within these forests but also has broader implications for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation efforts.
The data reveals that while there is a minor gain in some areas, the net effect remains negative, with disturbances contributing to a further 28.37 million hectares of affected forest area. The United States faces a critical challenge in reversing this trend and safeguarding its forests for future generations.
