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14 Dec 2024

Cameroon Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Loss Escalates
Cameroon Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Loss Escalates

In a concerning environmental development, Cameroon has experienced a significant escalation in tree cover loss over the past two decades. The Central African nation, which boasts an area of over 46 million hectares, has seen its tree cover extent, initially at approximately 31.50 million hectares, increasingly threatened by various factors.

A comprehensive analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture has been the predominant driver of this deforestation, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover loss. The impact of forestry activities, while present, is considerably less in comparison.

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The data indicates a worrying trend, with the total tree cover loss amounting to hundreds of thousands of hectares annually. This loss not only represents a substantial reduction in Cameroon's natural forestry but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the global climate crisis.

The year 2014 marked a peak in tree cover loss, with over 181,000 hectares affected. Although there have been fluctuations in the extent of loss in subsequent years, the overall trend remains one of concern. The net change in tree cover over the years has been negative, with a net loss that underscores the ongoing environmental challenge.

Adding to the environmental woes, the latest incident from December 2024 reports a fire alert in the North Region of Cameroon. While the incident count is currently at one, the potential for such incidents to contribute to further loss is a stark reminder of the fragility of Cameroon's natural resources.

The situation in Cameroon serves as a call to action for increased awareness and efforts towards sustainable practices that can mitigate tree cover loss and preserve the ecological balance for future generations.

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