Forestry activities have also played a significant role, with over 267,000 hectares lost in 2016, marking one of the highest recorded losses from this driver. Urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, has consistently added to the loss each year.
The impact of these losses is not just ecological but also contributes to the country's carbon emissions. The total CO2 equivalent gross emissions from tree cover loss in 2020 were estimated at over 587 million metric tons, underscoring the environmental implications of deforestation and land-use change.
As Australia confronts the latest wildfire incident, the historical trends call for a broader discussion on sustainable land management and the importance of preserving natural habitats to mitigate future environmental challenges.
