Zambia faces a significant challenge as the latest data reveals an alarming trend of tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of approximately 2.87 million hectares of tree cover, which equates to a 7.31% decrease in its forested area. The primary driver of this deforestation has been identified as shifting agriculture, responsible for the vast majority of the tree cover loss. Other contributing factors include urbanization and wildfires, which have also played a role in the depletion of Zambia's forests.
The most recent incident, a fire in the Southern Province of Zambia, underscores the ongoing threat of wildfires to the region's tree cover. While the number of fire incidents has varied over the years, the impact on the country's carbon emissions has been significant, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere as a result of tree cover loss.
Explore country profileThe loss of tree cover not only has implications for global climate change but also affects local ecosystems and biodiversity. The decrease in forested areas can lead to soil erosion, loss of habitat for wildlife, and reduced availability of resources for local communities. The data suggests a pressing need for strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and manage the factors contributing to deforestation in Zambia.
