In a recent development, Chad reported a fire incident in the Sila region, highlighting the environmental challenges the country continues to face. Over the past two decades, Chad has experienced significant tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture. The total area of Chad spans over 126 million hectares, with a tree cover extent of approximately 409,749 hectares. However, the country has seen a net decrease in tree cover of 843,797 hectares, marking a 7.83% decline.
The majority of tree cover loss can be attributed to shifting agriculture, with other potential drivers such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization not being specified in the data. The year 2022 alone saw a loss of 5,444 hectares, with shifting agriculture being the leading cause. This pattern of land use has resulted in substantial emissions, with the total CO2 equivalent gross emissions reaching nearly 2.97 million megagrams in the same year.
Explore country profileThe single fire incident reported on November 4, 2024, serves as a reminder of the ongoing vulnerability of Chad's landscape to environmental disturbances. The cumulative effect of these losses over time has significant implications for the country's biodiversity, climate, and local communities. As tree cover continues to decline, the resilience of the region against climate change and other ecological pressures is increasingly compromised.
