Forestry activities have also played a considerable role, with over 575,000 hectares lost in 2022 alone. Shifting agriculture and urbanization, while contributing less to the total loss, still pose significant environmental concerns.
The net change in tree cover over the years has been negative, with a 1.03% decrease, despite some gains in tree cover. The loss of tree cover not only affects the carbon sequestration capacity of Australia's forests but also threatens the habitat of countless species and the ecological balance.
The latest incident in Queensland, with a fire alert reported on December 7, 2024, underscores the ongoing threat of wildfires in the region. As Australia continues to face these environmental challenges, the focus on sustainable land management and wildfire prevention becomes increasingly critical.