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25 Nov 2024

Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Exceeds Net Gain
Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Exceeds Net Gain

Australia has recently faced a wildfire incident in Queensland, highlighting the ongoing challenge of tree cover loss in the country. Over the past two decades, Australia has experienced significant fluctuations in tree cover loss due to various drivers, including forestry activities, urbanization, and notably, wildfires, which have been a major contributing factor.

The data indicates a worrying trend where the total tree cover loss has consistently outpaced the gains. From 2001 to 2022, the cumulative tree cover loss amounted to 2,517,149.65 hectares, while the gains were only 1,600,595.93 hectares, leading to a net loss of 916,553.72 hectares. This represents a net change of -1.03% in tree cover. Wildfires alone have been responsible for a substantial portion of this loss, with millions of hectares affected over the years.

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The most significant losses were recorded in 2020, with over 2.35 million hectares lost, and in 2019, with more than 1.66 million hectares affected. These events have not only altered the landscape but have also resulted in massive carbon emissions, contributing to Australia's environmental challenges.

The recent incident in Queensland serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires and their impact on Australia's natural resources. With tree cover being an essential component of the ecosystem, the loss of such cover has implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the well-being of communities across the nation.

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