South Africa has faced a significant challenge in managing its tree cover, with a net loss of 141,776 hectares, marking a 1.86% decrease from its original extent. Over the years, the country has experienced a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, forestry activities, and urbanization. Notably, shifting agriculture and forestry have been the leading causes, contributing to the majority of the tree cover loss and associated CO2 emissions.
The latest incident reported on September 23, 2024, was a fire alert in the Free State region, adding to the country's environmental concerns. This single incident, while seemingly minor with just one alert, is part of a broader pattern of wildfires that have contributed to the country's tree cover loss over the years. Although wildfires have not been the predominant driver, they have consistently posed a threat to South Africa's tree cover, alongside other factors.
Explore country profileThe cumulative impact of these losses has had significant implications for the country's carbon emissions and biodiversity. The data reveals a complex interplay of factors leading to the degradation of South Africa's natural resources, with the need for ongoing attention to the drivers of tree cover loss to mitigate further environmental impact.
