Wildfires and urbanization, while contributing to a lesser extent, have nonetheless added to the overall decrease in tree cover. The latest incident data from 2024 indicates a fire alert in the Free State region of South Africa, underscoring the ongoing threat of wildfires to the country's natural resources.
The loss of tree cover not only affects biodiversity and ecosystems but also has broader implications for climate change and carbon emissions. South Africa's efforts to combat these environmental challenges continue to be of critical importance as the country seeks to balance development with sustainability.