Zambia's Southern Province reported a new fire incident on September 4, 2024, adding to the country's environmental challenges. Over the years, Zambia has experienced significant tree cover loss primarily due to shifting agriculture, which has been the leading driver, accounting for the vast majority of the loss. The data shows a disturbing trend of escalating tree cover loss, with a net change of -2,872,110.82 hectares, marking a 7.30% decrease in tree cover since the beginning of the recorded period.
The loss has had substantial implications for the country's carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere. Urbanization, forestry, and wildfires have also contributed to the loss, albeit to a much lesser extent than agriculture. The latest fire alert underscores the ongoing threat to Zambia's forests, which cover approximately 32% of the country's total land area.
Explore country profileThe cumulative effect of these losses is significant, considering Zambia's total area of over 75 million hectares. The country's forests are not only crucial for carbon sequestration but also for the biodiversity they support and the livelihoods they sustain. The escalating loss of tree cover in Zambia is a pressing environmental issue that requires attention and action to mitigate further damage and promote forest recovery.
