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17 Jan 2025

Colombia Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Shrinks
Colombia Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Shrinks

Colombia faces an ongoing environmental challenge as recent data indicates a significant reduction in tree cover over the past two decades. The country, known for its rich biodiversity, has seen a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 2.20%, equating to a loss of over 1.74 million hectares. This decline is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which accounts for the majority of tree cover loss, followed by other factors such as forestry, wildfires, and urbanization.

The most recent incident in Caqueta, Colombia, where a fire alert was registered, underscores the persistent threat of wildfires to the nation's forests. Wildfires alone have contributed to a notable portion of the tree cover loss, emphasizing the need for increased attention to fire management and prevention strategies.

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Over the years, the impact of these losses has been profound, with the total gross emissions of CO2 equivalent reaching staggering levels. Shifting agriculture remains the leading driver, with the highest recorded tree cover loss and associated CO2 emissions.

The net change in tree cover reveals a complex picture of the country's environmental health. While there has been some gain, the overall loss and disturbance to the tree cover far outweigh these positive developments, leading to a net negative change.

As Colombia continues to combat these environmental challenges, the data serves as a crucial indicator of the need for sustainable land management practices and the protection of its remaining forested areas.

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