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25 Oct 2024

Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Trends Upward
Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Trends Upward

Australia has been facing a significant challenge with wildfires, as indicated by the latest incident in Queensland on October 25, 2024. This incident is part of a broader trend of increasing tree cover loss across the nation. Over the years, wildfires have been a major driver of tree cover loss, with the most dramatic spike occurring in 2020, where they accounted for the majority of the 2.35 million hectares lost. Despite reforestation efforts, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a net loss of over 916,000 hectares, marking a -1.03% change.

The data reveals that forestry activities and urbanization are also notable contributors to tree cover loss. However, the impact of shifting agriculture, while present, is considerably less. The period from 2001 to 2022 saw fluctuations in tree cover loss, with some years experiencing more severe losses due to wildfires. The year 2019 stands out with over 1.66 million hectares lost, primarily due to wildfires, which contributed to the highest recorded CO2 emissions from tree cover loss in Australia's recent history.

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The ongoing loss of tree cover presents a significant environmental challenge for Australia, affecting biodiversity, climate, and the health of ecosystems. The trend underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of these losses.

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