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7 Dec 2024

Australia Battles Tree Cover Loss as Wildfires Remain a Persistent Threat
Australia Battles Tree Cover Loss as Wildfires Remain a Persistent Threat

Australia has been grappling with significant tree cover loss over the years, with wildfires, forestry, shifting agriculture, and urbanization identified as the main drivers. Analysis of historical data reveals a fluctuating but concerning trend in tree cover loss, which has profound implications for the country's biodiversity and climate resilience.

The period between 2001 and 2022 saw a total tree cover loss of approximately 2.50 million hectares. Wildfires have been the most significant contributor, accounting for a substantial portion of the loss. Notably, the years 2019 and 2020 marked the highest tree cover loss due to wildfires, with over 1.30 million hectares and nearly 2 million hectares lost, respectively.

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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.

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