Brazil, a country with a vast expanse of over 850 million hectares, is home to approximately 519 million hectares of tree cover. However, this green expanse has been facing a relentless challenge due to various factors leading to tree cover loss. Over the years, shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver, accounting for significant percentages of the total tree cover loss. Forestry activities and urbanization also contribute notably to this loss, while wildfires, though less frequent, still pose a threat to Brazil's tree cover.
The latest incident, a fire alert in the State of Paraná, underscores the ongoing battle against tree cover loss in Brazil. The data over the years paints a concerning picture, with a net change in tree cover showing a 5.93% decrease. This net loss is after accounting for a tree cover gain of over 8 million hectares against a loss of over 36 million hectares. The disturbance to the tree cover has also been significant, with over 23 million hectares affected.
Explore country profileThe trend over the years has not shown signs of a significant reversal, and the recent fire alert in Paraná is a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by Brazil's natural landscapes. With each incident, the country's rich biodiversity and the global climate face the consequences of these losses.
