The trend shows an increase in tree cover loss over the years, with a peak in 2020 when the country lost over 2.35 million hectares. While there have been gains in tree cover, they have not been sufficient to offset the losses. The disturbances to tree cover, which include both loss and temporary changes, have amounted to over 6.45 million hectares.
The situation in Australia is a stark reminder of the environmental challenges faced globally. The ongoing loss of tree cover has implications for biodiversity, climate change, and the well-being of ecosystems. As the latest incident in New South Wales demonstrates, wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to Australia's natural heritage.