Brazil, a country with a vast expanse of forested land, is facing an ongoing battle against tree cover loss and wildfires. Over the past two decades, the country has seen a significant reduction in its tree cover. The total area of tree cover loss has reached over 36 million hectares, which is a concerning figure considering the total tree cover extent of approximately 519 million hectares.
The primary driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation. Forestry activities, urbanization, and wildfires have also contributed to the decline. Notably, wildfires, while not the largest contributor to tree cover loss, have been a persistent issue, with recent data indicating an incident in the State of Bahia.
Explore country profileThe net change in tree cover over the years has been negative, with a net loss of over 28 million hectares, marking a decrease of nearly 6% in tree cover. This trend poses a significant threat to Brazil's biodiversity, climate, and the well-being of its inhabitants.
The latest incident in Bahia serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Brazil faces in managing its natural resources and protecting its forests from further degradation.
