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17 Sept 2024

Argentina Battles Deforestation: A Decade of Tree Cover Change and the Latest Fire Incident
Argentina Battles Deforestation: A Decade of Tree Cover Change and the Latest Fire Incident

Argentina has faced significant environmental challenges over the past two decades, with deforestation being a major concern. The country, which boasts an area of over 278 million hectares, has seen a substantial decline in its tree cover. According to recent data, Argentina's tree cover extent stands at approximately 39 million hectares, but the nation has experienced a net loss of over 3.50 million hectares, marking a 10.45% decrease in tree cover.

The primary drivers of tree cover loss have been identified as shifting agriculture, forestry, wildfires, and urbanization. Shifting agriculture alone accounts for a significant portion of the loss, with forestry also contributing heavily to the decline. Wildfires, although less significant in terms of area, have been a persistent issue, as evidenced by the latest fire incident in Entre Ríos Province, Argentina, on September 17, 2024.

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Over the years, the pattern of tree cover loss has fluctuated, with some years witnessing higher rates than others. The year 2008, for instance, saw the highest recorded loss at nearly 593,000 hectares, while 2019 experienced the lowest at around 145,000 hectares. Despite efforts to curb deforestation, the trend of tree cover loss continues, with recent years showing an upward trajectory in losses.

The environmental impact of these losses is considerable, not only in terms of biodiversity and habitat destruction but also in the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The loss of tree cover has resulted in millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, further exacerbating the global climate crisis.

The incident in Entre Ríos Province serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against deforestation in Argentina. The country's rich biodiversity and natural resources are at risk, and the latest fire alert highlights the need for continued vigilance and action to protect and restore its forests.

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