An initiative powered by
Alwaleed Philanthropies.
0
%
26 Jul 2024

Russia Grapples with Escalating Wildfire Incidents and Forest Cover Challenges
Russia Grapples with Escalating Wildfire Incidents and Forest Cover Challenges

In a recent update, Russia has faced a wildfire incident in Zabaykalsky Krai, reflecting an ongoing challenge with forest fires across the nation. Over the past two decades, Russia has experienced significant fluctuations in tree cover loss, primarily due to forestry activities and wildfires. The country's vast forested area, which spans over 761 million hectares, has been subject to a net change in tree cover loss of approximately 37 million hectares, with a marginal net loss of 176,089 hectares after accounting for gains.

Wildfires have been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, contributing to over 50% of the total loss in several years. The impact of these fires is profound, with millions of hectares affected annually, leading to substantial emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). For instance, in 2022 alone, wildfires accounted for over 3.10 million hectares of tree cover loss and approximately 381 million metric tons of CO2e emissions.

Explore country profile

Forestry activities have also played a significant role, with over 1.10 million hectares of tree cover loss and 351 million metric tons of CO2e emissions in the same year. The data indicates a trend where the rate of tree cover loss has been increasing, with the highest recorded loss in 2021 at over 6.50 million hectares. Despite these challenges, the overall change in tree cover represents a relatively small percentage of the total forested area, suggesting that Russia's forests are still largely stable.

The latest incident in Zabaykalsky Krai serves as a reminder of the persistent threat wildfires pose to Russia's forests and the global climate. As the country continues to address these environmental challenges, the focus on sustainable forestry practices and wildfire management remains critical.

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.