Brazil has witnessed a solitary fire incident in the State of Mato Grosso as of August 15, 2024, amidst broader environmental concerns. Over the past two decades, Brazil has experienced significant tree cover loss, with a net decrease of approximately 5.93%. The country's tree cover extent, initially at over 519 million hectares, has seen a loss of over 36 million hectares, despite a gain of around 8 million hectares.
The predominant drivers of tree cover loss have been shifting agriculture and forestry, contributing to the majority of the deforestation. Wildfires and urbanization, while less significant in terms of area, remain persistent issues. The cumulative effect of these drivers has not only reshaped Brazil's landscape but has also resulted in substantial emissions of greenhouse gases, further exacerbating global climate change concerns.
Explore country profileAs the latest data indicates, the trend of tree cover loss continues, with shifting agriculture remaining the leading cause. This ongoing deforestation poses a critical challenge to Brazil's biodiversity, climate goals, and environmental health. The single fire incident in Mato Grosso serves as a reminder of the persistent threats to Brazil's forests, which are vital to the global ecological balance.
