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9 Nov 2024

Australia's Forests Under Siege: Wildfires and Deforestation Threaten Tree Cover
Australia's Forests Under Siege: Wildfires and Deforestation Threaten Tree Cover

Australia has faced significant challenges in preserving its forests, with wildfires and deforestation leading the charge in tree cover loss. Over the years, the country has seen a fluctuating but overall concerning trend in the reduction of its tree cover. The data reveals that the tree cover extent, which stands at over 42 million hectares, has experienced a net loss of approximately 917,000 hectares, marking a 1.03% decrease.

Wildfires have been the most significant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the damage. In the year 2020 alone, wildfires were responsible for the loss of nearly 2 million hectares of tree cover, contributing to over 76% of the total CO2 emissions from tree cover loss that year. Deforestation activities, including shifting agriculture, forestry, and urbanization, have also played a critical role, with forestry consistently being a major contributor to the loss.

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The impact of these activities is not only measured in hectares but also in the gross emissions of CO2 equivalent, which reached an alarming peak of over 685 million metric tons in 2020. Despite efforts to regain tree cover, with gains of over 1.60 million hectares, the net change remains negative.

The latest incident in Queensland, with a single fire alert recorded, is a stark reminder of the persistent threat wildfires pose to Australia's forests. The country's rich biodiversity and environmental health hinge on the preservation and restoration of these vital ecosystems. As the global community continues to grapple with climate change, the situation in Australia underscores the urgent need for sustainable forest management and wildfire prevention strategies.

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