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21 Oct 2024

Peru Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Surge in Wildfire Incidents
Peru Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Surge in Wildfire Incidents

In a concerning environmental development, Peru has experienced a significant rise in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with a notable surge in wildfire incidents. The country, which boasts an area of over 129 million hectares, has seen its tree cover extent reduced to approximately 78 million hectares. The most prominent driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation.

Analyzing the historical data, it is evident that the loss due to shifting agriculture has been a consistent trend, with an alarming peak in 2012 where it contributed to over 77% of the total tree cover loss. Wildfires, while contributing to a smaller fraction of the loss, have shown a worrying increase in both frequency and impact, with the latest incident reported in Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador, affecting the Peruvian region.

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The net change in tree cover reveals a disturbing trend with a net loss of over 762,000 hectares, which equates to a 0.97% decrease in tree cover. This loss not only impacts the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region but also has significant implications for carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent being released into the atmosphere as a result of these activities.

The situation in Peru serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing land use and preserving natural habitats. The increase in wildfire incidents further exacerbates the threat to Peru's forests, highlighting the need for urgent attention and action to mitigate these losses.

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