A recent wildfire in Oregon, USA, has added to the ongoing challenge of tree cover loss in the United States. Over the past two decades, the nation has seen a significant reduction in tree cover due to various factors, including forestry, urbanization, and wildfires. The cumulative tree cover loss has reached over 17 million hectares, with a net loss of approximately 3.50 million hectares after accounting for gains from reforestation and natural regrowth.
Forestry activities have been the primary driver, accounting for the majority of the tree cover loss. Urbanization also contributes significantly, reflecting the impact of expanding cities and infrastructure. Wildfires, while not the leading cause, have been a persistent threat, causing both immediate damage and long-term ecological impacts.
Explore country profileThe net change in tree cover indicates a 1.23% decrease, underscoring the need for attention to conservation and sustainable land management practices. The latest incident in Oregon, although small in scale, is a reminder of the broader trend of environmental change affecting the nation's forests and green spaces.
