South Africa has been facing a persistent challenge in maintaining its tree cover, with a net loss of 141,776 hectares, marking a -1.86% change in tree cover. Over the years, the primary drivers of tree cover loss have been identified as shifting agriculture and forestry, which together account for a significant portion of the total deforestation. The impact of wildfires, while comparatively smaller, remains a concern, as evidenced by the latest incident in Mpumalanga, where a fire alert was registered on August 4, 2024.
The data reveals a concerning trend of tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the highest annual loss recorded at 104,943 hectares in 2006. Although there has been a fluctuation in the annual loss figures, the overall trajectory indicates a continued environmental challenge. The loss of tree cover not only affects biodiversity and habitats but also contributes to the country's carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere as a result of deforestation activities.
Explore country profileThe recent incident in Mpumalanga serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires to South Africa's natural landscape. While urbanization also plays a role in the reduction of tree cover, the combined effects of these drivers necessitate a focused look at the country's environmental health and the long-term sustainability of its forest ecosystems.
