The United States has experienced a significant shift in its tree cover landscape over recent years. Analysis of historical data reveals a worrying trend of tree cover loss, primarily driven by forestry activities, urbanization, and wildfires. The country's total area spans over 947 million hectares, with tree cover extending across approximately 279 million hectares. However, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a loss of 17.47 million hectares and a gain of only 13.99 million hectares, resulting in a net loss of 3.49 million hectares, marking a -1.23% change.
Forestry remains the leading cause of tree cover loss, accounting for the majority of the hectares lost. Urbanization also contributes significantly to this decline, reflecting the expansion of cities and infrastructure. Wildfires, exacerbated by shifting climate patterns, have led to substantial losses, with incidents showing no signs of abating. In fact, the latest fire alert from Hawaii indicates ongoing challenges in managing wildfire incidents.
Explore country profileThe trend over the years shows a fluctuation in tree cover loss, with peaks observed in 2004, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2022. The year 2022 alone saw over 2.20 million hectares of tree cover loss. Wildfires have been particularly destructive, with the area affected by fires increasing over time. This data underscores the pressing need to address the factors contributing to tree cover loss and to promote sustainable land management practices to preserve the United States' natural heritage.
