Mexico Battles Wildfires and Deforestation: A Glimpse into the Country's Environmental Challenges

Mexico Battles Wildfires and Deforestation: A Glimpse into the Country's Environmental Challenges

Mexico has recently faced a wildfire incident in Sonora, reflecting a broader environmental challenge that the country has been grappling with over the years. Data indicates that Mexico's tree cover has experienced significant fluctuations due to various factors, including shifting agriculture, forestry practices, wildfires, and urbanization.

From 2001 to 2022, Mexico witnessed a net loss of 790,307.77 hectares in tree cover, which is about a 1.25% decrease from its stable tree cover extent. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation activities. Forestry activities and wildfires also contribute to the loss, although to a lesser extent. Urbanization, while having the least impact, still plays a role in the changing landscape.