The impact of forestry activities also contributed significantly to the loss, with figures showing a consistent presence as a driver over the years. Shifting agriculture and urbanization added to the toll, although to a lesser extent compared to wildfires and forestry.
Despite some gains in tree cover, the net change has been negative, with a net loss of approximately 917,000 hectares. This represents a change of -1.03% in tree cover, indicating a concerning downward trend in Australia's forest health and resilience.
The latest incident in Queensland, with a single fire alert recorded on November 13, 2024, serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires in the country. As the data suggests, these incidents are not isolated events but part of a broader trend that has seen millions of hectares affected over the years.
The ongoing loss of tree cover in Australia underscores the need for continued attention to land management practices, wildfire prevention, and reforestation efforts to mitigate the impacts on the environment and biodiversity.
