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.