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19 Jul 2024

Canada Battles Wildfires and Deforestation: A Look at the Impact on Tree Cover
Canada Battles Wildfires and Deforestation: A Look at the Impact on Tree Cover

Canada, a country with a vast expanse of forests covering over 418 million hectares, has faced significant challenges in preserving its tree cover. Over the years, various factors have contributed to a notable decline in forested areas. Forestry activities, shifting agriculture, wildfires, and urbanization have been the primary drivers of tree cover loss. From 2001 to 2022, Canada experienced a total tree cover loss of approximately 25.20 million hectares, which is about 6% of its total tree cover extent.

Wildfires have been particularly impactful, accounting for a substantial portion of the loss. In 2022 alone, wildfires led to the loss of over 1.20 million hectares, representing more than half of the total tree cover loss for that year. Urbanization, though contributing to a smaller fraction of the loss, has been a consistent factor over the years.

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The net change in tree cover reveals a concerning trend, with a net loss of over 8.20 million hectares, indicating a 2.76% decrease in tree cover from the stable extent. This loss has not only ecological implications but also affects carbon sequestration capabilities, as forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The latest incident in Alberta, Canada, with a reported wildfire on July 19, 2024, underscores the ongoing struggle against environmental degradation. While the incident count for this specific event is low, it serves as a reminder of the persistent threat wildfires pose to Canada's forests.

The data suggests a need for a broader discussion on sustainable forest management and wildfire prevention to mitigate further loss and promote recovery of Canada's treasured woodlands.

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