In a recent incident on September 20, 2024, Russia faced a wildfire in the Zabaykalsky Krai region, marking a continued challenge in the nation's fight against forest fires. Over the past two decades, Russia has experienced a significant trend in tree cover loss, primarily driven by forestry activities and wildfires. The country, which boasts a vast forest area of over 761 million hectares, has seen a net change in tree cover characterized by a marginal decrease of approximately 0.02%.
Analysis of historical data reveals that wildfires have been a major driver of tree cover loss, contributing to millions of hectares of forest destruction and significant CO2 emissions. In 2022 alone, wildfires accounted for over 3.10 million hectares of tree cover loss. Forestry activities have also played a substantial role, with over 1.10 million hectares affected in the same year. The cumulative impact of these incidents has led to a net loss in tree cover, despite gains in some areas.
Explore country profileThe situation in Russia reflects a broader global concern about the health of our planet's forests and the implications for climate change, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. As the international community grapples with these environmental challenges, the ongoing incidents in Russia serve as a stark reminder of the urgency to address forest conservation and management.
