Iraq has recently experienced a fire incident in the Basra Governorate, highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. Despite a vast area of over 44 million hectares, Iraq's tree cover is relatively minimal, with only around 17,504 hectares. Over the years, the nation has seen a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss, with the most significant loss recorded in 2003 at approximately 19.60 hectares. However, the overall net change in tree cover has been positive, with a net gain of around 8,903 hectares, indicating some recovery and afforestation efforts.
The latest incident on August 18, 2024, adds to the historical data that shows a cumulative loss of tree cover and associated carbon emissions. While the specific drivers of tree cover loss in Iraq have not been disclosed, the impact of such incidents can be far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also the socio-economic fabric of the region.
Explore country profileAs the country grapples with these environmental issues, the single fire alert serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable land management and the need for vigilant monitoring to prevent future incidents that could exacerbate the loss of precious tree cover.
