From 2001 to 2022, Peru has seen a net decrease in tree cover of approximately 762,198 hectares, which is nearly 1% of its total tree cover. This loss is not only a concern for biodiversity and habitat preservation but also for climate change, as it is associated with significant CO2 emissions.
The country has made some gains, with over 430,185 hectares of tree cover gained. However, these gains are overshadowed by the losses, which are nearly three times greater. The disturbances to tree cover, which include both loss and gain, have affected over 3 million hectares, indicating the scale of environmental flux Peru is experiencing.
The latest fire alert may represent a small incident in the grand scheme, but it is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges Peru faces in safeguarding its natural resources. The country's rich biodiversity and the health of its ecosystems hang in the balance as it confronts the complex drivers of tree cover loss.
