Venezuela has experienced a significant and consistent reduction in tree cover over the past two decades. Analysis of historical data reveals that the country has lost 2.04% of its tree cover since 2001, a net loss of approximately 1,368,941 hectares when accounting for gains in tree cover. The primary driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, responsible for a staggering 78% of the total deforestation. Forestry activities contribute to 12%, while urbanization and wildfires account for a much smaller fraction of the loss.
The trend of tree cover loss has been accompanied by substantial CO2 emissions, with shifting agriculture being the major contributor. The latest incidents reported on July 9, 2024, from the Monagas region, add to the ongoing environmental challenges faced by Venezuela. These incidents, although seemingly small in number, are part of a larger pattern of environmental degradation that has significant implications for the country's biodiversity, climate change mitigation efforts, and the well-being of its inhabitants.
Explore country profileThe net change in tree cover indicates a disturbing trend, with a net negative change of 2.49% over the analyzed period. This decline in tree cover not only affects the local ecosystems but also has broader implications for global environmental health. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, the situation in Venezuela serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable land management and the protection of natural resources.
