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5 Jul 2024

South Sudan Confronts Environmental Challenge with Recent Spike in Fire Incidents
South Sudan Confronts Environmental Challenge with Recent Spike in Fire Incidents

In a concerning environmental development, South Sudan has experienced a series of fire incidents, with the latest data indicating two occurrences on July 5, 2024. This uptick in incidents is part of a broader trend of environmental distress in the region. Over the past two decades, South Sudan has seen a significant fluctuation in tree cover loss, primarily due to shifting agriculture practices.

The country, which spans over 62 million hectares, has a tree cover extent of approximately 11.40 million hectares. Analysis of historical data reveals a net change in tree cover with a loss of over 800,000 hectares, albeit offset by a gain of over 1 million hectares, resulting in a net positive change of approximately 281,000 hectares. This equates to a net increase of about 1.05% in tree cover over the years.

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Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the majority of the 1.60 million metric tons of CO2e gross emissions in 2022. The trend of tree cover loss has been erratic, with peaks and troughs corresponding to varying levels of agricultural activity. Despite this, the overall trajectory has been towards recovery, with gains outstripping losses in recent years.

The environmental implications of these fire incidents are multifaceted, affecting not only the carbon cycle but also biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. As South Sudan grapples with these challenges, the focus turns to sustainable management of natural resources to mitigate the impacts of such incidents and ensure the long-term health of the region's ecosystems.

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