Angola Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident

Angola Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident

Angola has witnessed a significant decline in its tree cover over the past two decades, with recent data indicating a concerning trend. The country's tree cover extent, which spans over 55 million hectares, has experienced a net loss of approximately 2.19 million hectares, marking a 4.41% decrease in tree cover stability. This loss is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which accounts for the vast majority of tree cover loss.

The impact of this decline is further compounded by incidents of wildfires, with the latest report from Cuando Cubango Province recording a fire alert. While the number of alerts may seem minimal, the cumulative effect of these fires on the environment can be substantial. Over the years, wildfires have contributed to the country's total CO2e gross emissions, although to a lesser extent than agriculture.