The United States has witnessed significant changes in its tree cover over the past two decades, with a net loss of approximately 1.23%. A recent incident on December 22, 2024, in Louisiana highlights the ongoing challenge of wildfires, which, along with urbanization, have been key drivers of tree cover loss. Since 2001, forestry activities have been the predominant cause, contributing to over 70% of the total loss, while wildfires have accounted for about 10%. Urban expansion has also played a considerable role, with an increasing trend observed in recent years.
The cumulative impact of these factors has resulted in a net decrease in tree cover, despite gains in some areas. The data indicates a loss of over 17 million hectares and a gain of nearly 14 million hectares, leading to a net negative change. Wildfires, in particular, have shown a worrying escalation, with the largest area burned recorded in 2022. This trend underscores the importance of addressing both the immediate incidents and the underlying causes of tree cover loss to mitigate future environmental impacts.
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