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20 Dec 2024

Rising Wildfires and Urban Expansion Impact U.S. Tree Cover
Rising Wildfires and Urban Expansion Impact U.S. Tree Cover

In a concerning environmental trend, the United States has experienced a significant impact on its tree cover due to various factors, including wildfires and urbanization. Over the past two decades, the data indicates a net loss of tree cover, which has profound implications for the country's ecosystem and carbon sequestration capabilities.

The total area of the United States spans over 947 million hectares, with approximately 279 million hectares covered by trees. However, the net change in tree cover reveals a loss of over 17 million hectares, while gains are just under 14 million hectares, resulting in a net negative balance. This equates to a 1.23% decrease in tree cover, a concerning figure given the importance of forested areas for biodiversity and climate regulation.

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Wildfires have been a significant driver of tree cover loss, with incidents like the recent one in Louisiana, USA, highlighting the ongoing threat. In 2022 alone, wildfires accounted for a substantial portion of the total tree cover loss. Urbanization also continues to play a role, with an increasing need for land to accommodate growing populations and infrastructure development.

The cumulative effect of these drivers over the years has led to a considerable release of carbon emissions, further exacerbating the challenge of climate change. The data underscores the importance of addressing these drivers to mitigate their impact on the environment and to ensure the health and sustainability of the nation's forests.

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