Brazil, a country with a vast expanse of over 850 million hectares, is facing a significant challenge with its tree cover. Despite a tree cover extent of over 519 million hectares, the nation has experienced a net loss of approximately 28 million hectares, a concerning decline of nearly 6% in its tree cover. This loss is primarily attributed to shifting agriculture, which accounts for a substantial portion of the deforestation, followed by forestry activities and urbanization. In recent years, the trend has shown an alarming increase in tree cover loss, with over 3.30 million hectares lost in 2022 alone.
The impact on the environment is profound, with billions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions released into the atmosphere due to these activities. Wildfires, although contributing less to the overall tree cover loss, remain a persistent threat, as evidenced by the latest fire incident reported in Ceará, Brazil, on November 26, 2024. This incident underscores the ongoing struggle Brazil faces in managing its natural resources and protecting its vital ecosystems.
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