Iraq Battles Single Fire Incident Amidst a History of Tree Cover Challenges

Iraq Battles Single Fire Incident Amidst a History of Tree Cover Challenges

A recent fire incident in the Basra Governorate underscores Iraq's ongoing struggle with environmental sustainability. Despite the country's vast land area of over 44 million hectares, the tree cover extent is a mere 0.04%. Historical data reveals a fluctuating pattern of tree cover loss, peaking in 2003 with an estimated 0.04% loss. Over the years, the cumulative loss of tree cover has contributed to a net change in tree cover, which, as of the latest figures, stands at a positive 0.02% when accounting for gains against losses. This delicate balance highlights the country's vulnerability to incidents that can tip the scales towards ecological degradation. The single fire alert, while seemingly minor, is a reminder of the persistent risks to Iraq's limited green spaces.