Brazil Battles with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Brazil Battles with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Brazil, a country with an area of over 850 million hectares, is facing a significant challenge with its tree cover. Over the years, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover, which has had profound implications for its environment and biodiversity. The latest incident report from the State of Mato Grosso indicates a new wildfire alert, adding to the country's environmental struggles.

An analysis of historical data reveals a worrying trend of tree cover loss in Brazil. The total area affected by tree cover loss from 2001 to 2022 is approximately 36.10 million hectares, which is a significant portion of the country's tree cover extent of 519 million hectares. This loss represents a net change of -5.93% in tree cover over the years. The main drivers of this deforestation include shifting agriculture, responsible for a substantial part of the tree cover loss, and forestry activities. Urbanization and wildfires also contribute to the decline, although to a lesser extent.