Argentina Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Exceeds 10% Over Two Decades

Argentina Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Exceeds 10% Over Two Decades

Argentina has been facing a significant environmental challenge as recent data reveals a concerning trend in tree cover loss. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss of over 10% in tree cover, which is a substantial blow to its natural ecosystems and biodiversity. The latest incident in San Luis Province underscores the ongoing struggle, with a wildfire alert issued on December 19, 2024.

The historical data paints a grim picture of the environmental degradation that Argentina has endured. The loss of tree cover has been driven primarily by shifting agriculture and forestry activities, which together account for the majority of the deforestation. Wildfires and urbanization also contribute to the loss, albeit to a lesser extent. The cumulative effect of these drivers has led to a total tree cover loss of millions of hectares, with corresponding CO2 emissions reaching staggering levels.