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21 Aug 2024

Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Exceeds Gains by Over 900,000 Hectares
Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Exceeds Gains by Over 900,000 Hectares

Australia has been facing significant challenges with wildfires, as recent data indicates a net loss in tree cover exceeding 900,000 hectares. Despite efforts to regenerate and stabilize forested areas, the country has experienced a net change in tree cover with a decrease of approximately 1.03%. The latest incident report from Queensland highlights the ongoing struggle, with a fire alert issued on August 21, 2024.

Over the past two decades, the drivers of tree cover loss have varied, with wildfires consistently being a major factor. In 2020, wildfires accounted for a staggering 83% of the total tree cover loss, emphasizing the severity of these incidents on the country's natural landscape. Urbanization, although contributing to a smaller percentage of the loss, has been a persistent issue, alongside shifting agriculture and forestry activities.

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The impact on Australia's vast land area and tree cover is substantial. With a total area of over 768 million hectares and a tree cover extent of approximately 42 million hectares, the loss represents a significant environmental concern. The net change in tree cover reflects the balance between loss and gain, with disturbances contributing to the overall decrease.

As Australia continues to address these environmental challenges, the focus on wildfire management and forest conservation remains critical. The data underscores the need for ongoing efforts to protect and restore the natural environment, ensuring the sustainability of Australia's unique ecosystems.

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