Forestry activities have been the most significant contributor to tree cover loss, followed by shifting agriculture. Wildfires, although contributing to a lesser extent, have been a persistent issue, with the latest incident underscoring the vulnerability of the region to such disasters. Urbanization has also played a role, albeit smaller, in the reduction of tree cover.
The impact of these losses is not just on the landscape but also on the carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere. The data suggests a need for strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and enhance reforestation efforts to preserve South Africa's natural heritage and combat climate change.
