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17 Oct 2024

Chile Battles Tree Cover Loss with Recent Fire Incident in Araucania
Chile Battles Tree Cover Loss with Recent Fire Incident in Araucania

Chile has witnessed a significant challenge in maintaining its tree cover over the years. With a total area of over 75 million hectares, the country boasts a tree cover extent of approximately 19 million hectares. However, the battle against tree cover loss has been ongoing, with various drivers contributing to the decline. Forestry activities have been the predominant cause, accounting for the majority of tree cover loss, followed by shifting agriculture, which also plays a significant role.

The latest incident in Araucania, Chile, where a fire alert was recorded on October 17, 2024, adds to the concerns over tree cover loss in the region. Although the number of incidents has been just one, the impact of such events can be substantial over time. Over the years, wildfires have contributed to tree cover loss, albeit to a lesser extent compared to other drivers.

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The data over the years reveals a fluctuating yet persistent trend of tree cover loss. The most significant loss occurred in 2017, with over 214,000 hectares affected. Interestingly, there has been a net change in tree cover, with a slight decrease of approximately 0.08%. This indicates that while there has been some gain in tree cover, the losses have slightly outpaced the gains, leading to a marginal net loss.

The challenges faced by Chile in terms of tree cover loss are multi-faceted, with implications for carbon emissions and the overall health of its forests. As the country continues to address these challenges, the latest fire incident in Araucania serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to protect and restore Chile's valuable tree cover.

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