A recent incident in the Haut-Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has raised concerns about the country's environmental stability. On September 13, 2024, a fire alert was registered, adding to the country's history of tree cover loss and disturbances. Over the years, the DRC has seen a significant reduction in its tree cover due to various factors, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver.
An analysis of historical data reveals that the DRC experienced a net loss of approximately 6 million hectares of tree cover, which is a 3.55% decrease from its original extent. Shifting agriculture alone was responsible for losses amounting to millions of hectares, overshadowing other factors like forestry, wildfires, and urbanization. Despite a gain of over 1.50 million hectares in tree cover, the net change remains negative, indicating a persistent challenge in reversing the trend.
Explore country profileThe implications of these incidents are far-reaching, affecting not only the local ecosystems but also the global climate. The loss of tree cover in the DRC has contributed significantly to gross emissions, with the total CO2 equivalent gross emissions reaching alarming levels over the years. The ongoing incidents highlight the need for increased attention to the region's environmental management and the urgency to address the underlying causes of tree cover loss.
