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22 Jan 2025

Guatemala Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident
Guatemala Grapples with Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Recent Fire Incident

Guatemala has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the years, with recent data indicating a concerning trend. The country, which boasts an area of over 10.90 million hectares, has a substantial tree cover extent of approximately 7.70 million hectares. However, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a loss of 760,663 hectares and a gain of only 291,033 hectares, resulting in a net decrease of 469,631 hectares, which translates to a 6.04% decline.

The primary driver of this deforestation has been identified as shifting agriculture, which alone accounts for the majority of tree cover loss. Other factors such as forestry activities and urbanization also contribute to the reduction, albeit to a lesser extent. The impact of these activities is not only measured in hectares lost but also in the gross emissions of CO2 equivalent, which have reached alarming levels.

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In a recent development, Guatemala reported a fire incident in the Escuintla Department, adding to the environmental challenges the country faces. While the incident data shows only one fire alert, the cumulative effect of such incidents combined with ongoing deforestation can have profound implications for the country's biodiversity, climate, and local communities.

The trend over the years shows a fluctuating pattern of tree cover loss, with some years witnessing more significant losses than others. The highest recorded loss in a single year was in 2016, with over 178,000 hectares affected. This data underscores the urgency for strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and enhance forest conservation efforts in Guatemala.

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