Canada's vast forests, covering over 418 million hectares, are experiencing significant ecological shifts. Data reveals a net loss in tree cover of approximately 8.20 million hectares, marking a 2.76% change in the country's forest landscape. This decline is driven by multiple factors, including forestry, which accounts for nearly 45% of the total tree cover loss, and wildfires, contributing to over 50% of the loss. Urbanization and shifting agriculture also play roles, though to a lesser extent.
The impact of wildfires is particularly notable, with incidents causing substantial tree cover loss and CO2 emissions. The latest incident reported on August 11, 2024, in the Northwest Territories, adds to the growing concern over forest health and resilience. The trend over the years shows a fluctuating yet persistent challenge to Canada's forests, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and its associated impacts on the environment and carbon emissions.
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