In a single day, the State of Maranhão in Brazil witnessed a fire incident, underscoring the persistent challenges facing the country's forests. Over the years, Brazil has seen a significant fluctuation in tree cover loss, with a net negative change of approximately 5.93%. Shifting agriculture remains the leading cause, contributing to a substantial portion of the tree cover loss. The impact of forestry activities and wildfires also plays a significant role, with urbanization contributing to a lesser extent.
The data reveals a worrying trend of deforestation, with the highest recorded tree cover loss in 2016, amounting to over 5.30 million hectares. Although there has been some variation in the subsequent years, the overall trajectory shows a concerning decline in forest stability. The loss of tree cover not only affects biodiversity and habitats but also has profound implications for carbon emissions and climate change.
Explore country profileThe latest incident in Maranhão is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to Brazil's forests. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and effective strategies to combat the loss of these critical ecosystems. As the world grapples with the urgency of environmental conservation, the situation in Brazil serves as a call to action to protect our planet's lungs.
