A closer look at the historical data reveals that shifting agriculture is the predominant driver of tree cover loss in Nigeria, followed by urbanization, which also plays a significant role. Wildfires, while contributing to a lesser extent, still pose a threat to the remaining tree cover. The cumulative effect of these drivers has led to a considerable release of carbon emissions, further exacerbating climate change concerns.
The net change in tree cover shows a disturbing trend, with a loss that far exceeds the gains from reforestation and natural regeneration. This imbalance highlights the urgent need for sustainable land management practices and effective strategies to mitigate tree cover loss.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with these environmental challenges, the recent fire incident in Adamawa serves as a call to action to prioritize forest conservation and implement measures to prevent further degradation of the country's natural resources.
