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26 Jul 2024

South Africa Battles Tree Cover Loss with Latest Gauteng Fire Incident
South Africa Battles Tree Cover Loss with Latest Gauteng Fire Incident

South Africa has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the years, with the latest incident being a fire alert in the Gauteng region on July 26, 2024. The country's tree cover extent spans over 5.98 million hectares, which has seen a net change in tree cover resulting in a loss of approximately 141,776 hectares, equating to a -1.86% change. This loss is attributed to various drivers, with forestry and shifting agriculture being the most significant contributors.

Forestry activities have accounted for the largest portion of tree cover loss, followed by shifting agriculture, which includes the clearing of forests for temporary farming. Urbanization and wildfires also play roles but are less significant in comparison. Over the years, the pattern of tree cover loss has fluctuated, with some years witnessing higher losses than others. The year 2017 saw the highest recorded loss of over 94,000 hectares, while the most recent data from 2022 shows a loss of approximately 41,000 hectares.

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The impact of these losses is not just limited to the environment but also affects biodiversity and carbon emissions. The total gross emissions from tree cover loss have been substantial, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change concerns.

The incident in Gauteng serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges South Africa faces in managing its natural resources and the need for continued vigilance and sustainable practices to mitigate further loss.

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