Brazil has reported a new fire incident in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, as the country continues to face significant challenges in forest cover management. Over the years, Brazil has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with a 5.93% decrease, reflecting a loss of over 36 million hectares and a gain of just over 8 million hectares. The predominant drivers of tree cover loss include shifting agriculture, responsible for a substantial portion of the deforestation, followed by forestry activities, urbanization, and wildfires.
The latest incident adds to the cumulative impact on Brazil's tree cover, which spans an area of approximately 850 million hectares, with over 519 million hectares covered by trees. The historical data reveals a trend of fluctuating tree cover loss, with years like 2016 witnessing a staggering loss of over 5.30 million hectares. Despite these losses, the country's tree cover remains a significant component of its natural heritage, with a stable area of over 413 million hectares.
Explore country profileThe ongoing loss of tree cover has implications for biodiversity, climate change, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on forest resources. The recent fire alert underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective management strategies to mitigate the risks and preserve Brazil's critical forest ecosystems.
