Peru faces a significant environmental challenge as data indicates a persistent loss of tree cover across the country. Over the past two decades, the nation has experienced a net loss of approximately 762,198 hectares of tree cover, which accounts for nearly a 1% decrease in its total tree cover. The primary driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, responsible for the majority of the tree cover decline. Notably, wildfires have also contributed to the degradation of Peru's forests, albeit to a lesser extent.
The latest incident in Madre de Dios, Peru, where a fire alert was registered, underscores the ongoing threats to the region's biodiversity and environmental health. While the number of incidents has varied annually, the overarching trend shows a troubling trajectory of forest loss. This has profound implications for carbon emissions, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere as a result of these losses.
Explore country profilePeru's rich biodiversity and the health of its forests are at stake, with the country grappling to balance agricultural needs with environmental conservation. The data paints a clear picture: without significant changes, the loss of tree cover could continue to have detrimental effects on the country's ecological integrity and global climate change.
