Brazil, a country with a vast expanse of over 850 million hectares, has witnessed a significant decline in its tree cover. Analysis of historical data reveals a troubling trend of deforestation, with a net loss of nearly 28.10 million hectares, amounting to a 5.93% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver, responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss. In the State of Maranhão, a recent fire incident adds to the ongoing environmental concerns, highlighting the challenges Brazil faces in preserving its critical ecosystems.
The impact of deforestation extends beyond the loss of trees, as it also leads to considerable carbon emissions. Over the years, the activities contributing to tree cover loss have released billions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent into the atmosphere, exacerbating the global climate crisis. While wildfires contribute to a smaller fraction of the total tree cover loss, their role in carbon emissions is not negligible.
Explore country profileThe data indicates a persistent struggle against deforestation, with the last recorded year showing over 3.30 million hectares lost. Despite efforts to regain tree cover, with gains amounting to over 8 million hectares, the net change remains negative. The single fire alert in Maranhão, although seemingly minor, is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat that fires pose to Brazil's forests.
