The United States has witnessed a significant impact on its tree cover over the years, with a net loss of approximately 1.23%. Analysis of historical data reveals that forestry activities have been the leading cause of tree cover loss, followed by wildfires, which have become increasingly prevalent. In 2022 alone, wildfires accounted for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss, highlighting the growing challenge of managing such incidents.
Urbanization also contributes to the reduction of tree cover, though to a lesser extent than forestry and wildfires. Shifting agriculture, while not the most significant driver, still plays a role in the overall loss of tree cover. The latest incident data from Texas, USA, with a single fire alert, underscores the ongoing threat of wildfires to the nation's forests.
Explore country profileThe net change in tree cover shows a disturbing trend, with the loss outpacing the gain, leading to a negative net change. This decline in tree cover has implications for biodiversity, climate change, and the health of ecosystems. The data calls for a broader discussion on sustainable land management and the need for strategies to mitigate the impact of these drivers on the United States' tree cover.
