In 2020, the country witnessed its most severe tree cover loss, with over 2.35 million hectares affected, representing a staggering CO2 equivalent gross emission of approximately 685 million megagrams. This event alone contributed significantly to the overall trend of increasing tree cover loss.
While the country has seen some gains in tree cover, amounting to over 1.60 million hectares, it is overshadowed by the losses, which are nearly 1.50 times greater. The disturbances to the tree cover, which include both loss and gain, total over 6.45 million hectares, indicating a dynamic and concerning pattern of change in the country's forested regions.
The impact of these environmental changes is not only ecological but also carries significant implications for carbon emissions and climate change. As Australia continues to grapple with these challenges, the recent wildfire incident in Queensland serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat that natural disasters pose to the environment.
