Australia has been grappling with an increasing trend in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with recent data indicating a single fire incident in Victoria as of December 20, 2024. The country's tree cover extent spans over 42 million hectares, yet it has faced a net loss of approximately 917,000 hectares, marking a negative change of around 1.03%. Wildfires have been a significant driver of this loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the total tree cover loss and associated carbon emissions each year.
The impact of wildfires is particularly stark, with the years 2019 and 2020 witnessing massive tree cover losses of over 1.60 million hectares and 2.30 million hectares, respectively, largely due to wildfires. These two years alone contributed to a significant spike in carbon emissions, emphasizing the severity of the wildfire incidents. Forestry activities, urbanization, and shifting agriculture also contribute to the overall tree cover loss, with forestry being the second most significant driver.
Explore country profileThe trend shows an alarming increase in tree cover loss, with the most recent years indicating a need for concern and attention to the patterns of wildfires and other contributing factors. The data underscores the importance of addressing the underlying causes of tree cover loss to mitigate the environmental impact and preserve Australia's natural heritage.
