Angola has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the years, a trend that has been exacerbated by recent wildfire incidents. The latest report from Cuando Cubango Province indicates a new wildfire incident, adding to the country's environmental concerns. Over the past two decades, Angola has seen a net change in tree cover that reflects a 4.41% decrease, with a net loss of over 2.18 million hectares.
The primary driver of tree cover loss in Angola has been shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of the total loss. Other factors such as forestry and wildfires have also contributed, though to a lesser extent. The cumulative impact of these activities has not only reduced the tree cover but also led to significant emissions of CO2e, with the latest figures showing over 102 million metric tons of CO2e emissions in 2022 alone.
Explore country profileThis loss of tree cover has profound implications for biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and the livelihoods of local communities. The stability of over 44.54 million hectares of tree cover is at stake, highlighting the need for urgent attention to Angola's deforestation issues. The country's struggle with wildfires further complicates these efforts, as they add an unpredictable element to the already challenging task of managing tree cover loss.
