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22 Aug 2024

Iraq Confronts Environmental Challenge as Tree Cover Changes and Fire Incidents Surface
Iraq Confronts Environmental Challenge as Tree Cover Changes and Fire Incidents Surface

A recent environmental report has highlighted a concerning trend in Iraq, where the delicate balance of tree cover is undergoing significant changes. The data reveals that over the years, Iraq has experienced a net change in tree cover, with a stable area of 28,631 hectares, a loss of 553 hectares, and a gain of 9,456 hectares. This equates to a net increase of approximately 8,904 hectares, representing a change of roughly 30.50%.

However, this positive net change is overshadowed by the occurrence of fire incidents, with the latest alert coming from the Erbil Governorate. On August 22, 2024, a fire was reported in this region, marking a continued risk to the country's natural resources. While the specific drivers of tree cover loss such as shifting agriculture, forestry, wildfires, and urbanization were not detailed in the data, the overall trend suggests that Iraq's tree cover is facing ongoing threats.

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The environmental implications of these changes are significant. The loss of tree cover not only impacts biodiversity and habitat but also affects the local climate and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems. The report serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring environmental changes and the need for strategies to mitigate the risks associated with them.

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