Brazil is grappling with a significant challenge as recent data reveals an alarming trend of tree cover loss and a rise in wildfire incidents. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of approximately 28.08 million hectares in tree cover, which equates to a 5.93% decrease from its original tree cover extent. The most substantial drivers of this loss have been shifting agriculture and forestry, contributing to vast areas of deforestation and associated emissions.
The latest incident from the State of Maranhão underscores the ongoing struggle, with a wildfire alert issued on December 14, 2024. This incident is a stark reminder of the broader environmental crisis facing Brazil's diverse ecosystems. Shifting agriculture alone has led to a loss of nearly 1 million hectares of tree cover in 2022, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the root causes of deforestation.
Explore country profileThe impact on Brazil's rich biodiversity and the global climate cannot be overstated. As the country continues to lose its tree cover, the repercussions extend far beyond its borders, affecting global carbon cycles and biodiversity conservation efforts. The data presents a call to action for sustainable management and conservation strategies to mitigate these losses and preserve Brazil's natural heritage for future generations.
