Brazil Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Shifting Agriculture Impact

Brazil Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Shifting Agriculture Impact

In a concerning environmental trend, Brazil has experienced a significant increase in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with shifting agriculture being a major driver. The country, which boasts an area of over 850 million hectares, has seen its tree cover extent reduced by nearly 6% due to various factors. Shifting agriculture alone has contributed to a staggering loss of over 2.60 million hectares, leading to considerable emissions of greenhouse gases.

The impact of forestry activities cannot be overlooked either, accounting for substantial tree cover loss. Urbanization and wildfires have also played a role, though to a lesser extent. The latest incident from the State of Maranhão, Brazil, with a single fire alert, is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires in the region.