Russia Battles Wildfires and Tree Cover Loss in a Struggle to Preserve Forests

Russia Battles Wildfires and Tree Cover Loss in a Struggle to Preserve Forests

Russia, a country with a vast expanse of forests, has been facing significant challenges in preserving its tree cover. Recent data indicates that wildfires have been a major driver of tree cover loss in the nation. Over the years, the impact of wildfires has been escalating, with a notable increase in both the area affected and the associated carbon emissions.

The analysis of historical data reveals a worrying trend of tree cover loss, with millions of hectares affected annually. The forestry sector also contributes to the loss, although to a lesser extent than wildfires. Shifting agriculture has a minimal impact in comparison. The net change in tree cover shows a slight decline, indicating that the gains from reforestation are not keeping pace with the losses incurred.