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26 Nov 2024

Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Trends Upward
Australia Battles Wildfires as Tree Cover Loss Trends Upward

Australia has faced a new wildfire incident in New South Wales, as revealed by the latest fire alerts. This event is part of a concerning trend of tree cover loss that has been observed over the years. With an area of over 768 million hectares, Australia's tree cover extends to approximately 42 million hectares. However, the country has experienced a significant loss of tree cover, with a net loss of over 916,000 hectares, marking a change of -1.03%.

Analyzing historical data, the primary drivers of tree cover loss include forestry, shifting agriculture, wildfires, and urbanization. Wildfires have been particularly devastating, accounting for a substantial portion of the loss. For instance, in 2020, wildfires were responsible for over 83% of the total tree cover loss for that year. The impact of these fires is not only limited to the loss of trees but also contributes to gross CO2 emissions, which have reached alarming levels.

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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.

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