An initiative powered by
Alwaleed Philanthropies.
0
%
24 Dec 2024

Australia Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfires in Queensland
Australia Battles Escalating Tree Cover Loss and Wildfires in Queensland

Australia has been facing a significant challenge with tree cover loss over the years, with recent incidents in Queensland highlighting the ongoing struggle. The country's vast land area of over 768 million hectares includes a tree cover extent of approximately 42 million hectares. However, analysis of historical data reveals a troubling trend of increasing tree cover loss, primarily due to wildfires, forestry activities, shifting agriculture, and urbanization.

From 2001 to 2022, Australia experienced a staggering net loss of over 916,000 hectares of tree cover, which is about a 1.03% decrease from the stable tree cover. Wildfires have been the most significant driver of this loss, contributing to millions of hectares of lost tree cover and massive carbon emissions. In the year 2020 alone, wildfires accounted for over 1.95 million hectares of the total tree cover loss, emphasizing the scale of the crisis.

Explore country profile

The impact of forestry activities cannot be overlooked either, with tens of thousands of hectares lost annually. Shifting agriculture and urbanization also play a role, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the other factors. The cumulative effect of these drivers has not only reduced the tree cover but has also resulted in the emission of hundreds of millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent gases over the years.

The latest incident on December 24, 2024, with a fire alert in Queensland, is a stark reminder of the persistent threat wildfires pose to Australia's environment. As the country grapples with these challenges, the need for effective strategies to mitigate tree cover loss and manage wildfires is more pressing than ever.

View all history
A global action, for a global challenge.
Our mission to equip you with the information you need to rally local communities for environmental change. Register your information to receive updates for your area.
Get Customized Deforestation Report.