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18 Jul 2024

Angola Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents
Angola Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfire Incidents

Angola has been grappling with a significant challenge to its natural environment, as recent data indicates a persistent rise in tree cover loss primarily due to shifting agriculture. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 4.41%, which equates to a loss of over 3.40 million hectares. Notably, the tree cover extent in Angola is over 55 million hectares, which underscores the substantial impact of this loss.

Shifting agriculture remains the predominant driver of this environmental concern, accounting for the vast majority of tree cover loss. This practice has led to the emission of millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, exacerbating the global climate crisis. Additionally, wildfires have been a consistent threat, contributing to both tree cover loss and CO2 emissions, although to a lesser extent than agriculture.

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The latest incident from Cuando Cubango Province, Angola, with a single fire alert, may seem minor in isolation but is indicative of a broader pattern of environmental disturbances that the country faces. These incidents not only threaten biodiversity and ecosystems but also pose significant challenges to local communities and the economy, which often relies on the land for sustenance and livelihood.

The net change in tree cover reveals a complex dynamic of loss, gain, and disturbance, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of land use patterns and their environmental impacts. As Angola continues to confront these challenges, the data serves as a critical tool for informing conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices.

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