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10 Dec 2024

Brazil Battles Tree Cover Loss; Recent Fire Incident in Maranhão Raises Concerns
Brazil Battles Tree Cover Loss; Recent Fire Incident in Maranhão Raises Concerns

Brazil, a country with a vast expanse of over 850 million hectares, has been grappling with significant tree cover loss over the years. The latest incident in the State of Maranhão, where a fire alert was issued on December 10, 2024, underscores the ongoing challenges the nation faces in preserving its forests.

The country's historical data paints a concerning picture, with a net change in tree cover showing a loss of over 36 million hectares, which is a 5.93% decrease from the stable tree cover. Notably, the tree cover gain during this period was just over 8 million hectares, which is insufficient to counteract the losses.

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Shifting agriculture has been a major driver of deforestation, accounting for a significant portion of the tree cover loss. The impact of forestry activities, wildfires, and urbanization also contribute to the overall decline. The year 2016 marked the highest recorded tree cover loss of over 5.30 million hectares, with shifting agriculture being the predominant cause.

The implications of such extensive tree cover loss are far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, climate, and indigenous communities. Brazil's rich ecosystems, such as the Amazon rainforest, are under threat, highlighting the need for urgent action to mitigate these losses and preserve the country's natural heritage for future generations.

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