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12 Aug 2024

Russia Battles Wildfires and Deforestation with Significant Tree Cover Loss
Russia Battles Wildfires and Deforestation with Significant Tree Cover Loss

Russia, a country with an immense landmass of over 1.60 billion hectares, has faced a notable decline in its tree cover over the years. With a tree cover extent of approximately 761 million hectares, the nation has experienced a significant loss due to various factors, excluding urbanization which remains unquantified.

Wildfires have been a predominant driver, responsible for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss. The latest incident in the Sakha Republic on August 12, 2024, is a testament to the ongoing challenge. Forestry activities have also contributed significantly to the reduction, with shifting agriculture playing a minor role.

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The net change in tree cover reveals a concerning trend with a loss of over 37 million hectares, barely offset by a gain of around 37 million hectares, leading to a marginal net loss. This equates to a slight negative change in the overall tree cover, emphasizing the need for attention to Russia's forest management practices.

The data over the years show a fluctuating yet persistent pattern of tree cover loss, with the years 2018 and 2021 marking some of the highest recorded losses. The impact of these losses is not just limited to the environment but also contributes to the global climate dynamics due to the associated carbon emissions.

As Russia continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the incidents of wildfires and the extent of deforestation highlight the critical need for sustainable forest management and conservation strategies to protect these vital ecosystems.

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