Brazil, a country with a vast expanse of over 850 million hectares, is facing a significant challenge with its tree cover. Despite a tree cover extent of over 519 million hectares, the nation has experienced a disturbing trend of tree cover loss. Over the years, various drivers have contributed to this decline, with shifting agriculture being a predominant factor, followed by forestry activities, urbanization, and wildfires.
The cumulative effect of these drivers has led to a net loss in tree cover. The stable tree cover has been reported at approximately 413 million hectares, but the loss has been substantial, with over 36 million hectares affected. There has been some gain, with over 8 million hectares of tree cover regrowth, yet the overall change represents a net decrease of nearly 28 million hectares, equating to a 5.93% decline.
Explore country profileThe most recent incident in the State of Roraima highlights the ongoing struggle with wildfires, which, although not the largest driver of tree cover loss, still contribute to the country's environmental challenges. This single fire alert underscores the need for continued vigilance and action to protect Brazil's vital tree cover.
