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11 Nov 2024

Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Escalates Over Two Decades
Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Escalates Over Two Decades

Australia has faced a significant challenge with wildfires, as indicated by the latest incident in Queensland, Australia, on November 11, 2024. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a steady increase in tree cover loss due to various factors, with wildfires being a primary driver. The data reveals a disturbing trend where the total tree cover loss has reached millions of hectares, contributing to substantial emissions of CO2 equivalent gases.

The analysis of historical data shows that the years 2019 and 2020 were particularly devastating, with tree cover losses of over 1.60 million and 2.30 million hectares, respectively, largely due to wildfires. The impact of these losses is not just limited to the environment but also affects biodiversity and the climate.

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While there has been some gain in tree cover, the net change remains negative, with a net loss of over 900,000 hectares, indicating a decline of more than 1% in tree cover. This loss is a clear signal that the country's forests are under significant stress, and the recurring wildfires only exacerbate the situation.

The drivers of tree cover loss include shifting agriculture, forestry, wildfires, and urbanization. Shifting agriculture and urbanization account for a smaller fraction of the loss, while forestry and wildfires contribute to the majority. The data underscores the urgency for strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and enhance forest resilience against wildfires.

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