Chile Battles Tree Cover Loss with Recent Fire Incident in Maule Region

Chile Battles Tree Cover Loss with Recent Fire Incident in Maule Region

Chile, a country with a land area of over 75 million hectares, has faced significant challenges in preserving its tree cover, which spans nearly 19.30 million hectares. Over the years, the country has experienced a fluctuating trend in tree cover loss, with forestry activities being the predominant driver. The latest incident in the Maule region, where a fire alert was reported on January 24, 2025, adds to the ongoing struggle against tree cover depletion.

Analyzing historical data, the total tree cover loss in Chile has been substantial, with the highest recorded loss in 2017 at over 214,000 hectares. This loss contributed to a notable increase in gross emissions of CO2 equivalent, with forestry activities accounting for the majority of these emissions. Shifting agriculture and urbanization also played a role, though to a lesser extent.