Canada has recently faced a wildfire incident in British Columbia, reflecting a broader trend of environmental challenges. Over the past two decades, Canada has experienced a net loss in tree cover, with a 2.76% decrease from its original extent. Wildfires have been a significant driver of this decline, accounting for a substantial portion of the total tree cover loss. In 2022 alone, wildfires were responsible for over half of the tree cover loss, highlighting the growing impact of such natural disasters on the country's forests.
The data indicates that forestry activities have also contributed to the loss, alongside urbanization and shifting agriculture, albeit to a lesser extent. While there has been some gain in tree cover, it has not been sufficient to offset the losses, leading to a net negative change. The trend underscores the need for a broader discussion on sustainable forest management and the mitigation of wildfire risks to preserve Canada's natural heritage.
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