Brazil, a country with a land area of over 850 million hectares, has seen a significant decline in its tree cover over the years. The latest incident data reveals a fire alert in Ceará, Brazil, signaling ongoing environmental challenges. A comprehensive analysis of historical data shows that between 2001 and 2022, Brazil experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 28 million hectares, which is a 5.93% decrease from its previous tree cover extent.
Shifting agriculture has been identified as the leading driver of this loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the deforestation. In 2022 alone, shifting agriculture was responsible for nearly 30% of the total tree cover loss. Forestry activities and urbanization also contributed significantly to the decline, with wildfires accounting for a smaller fraction. The loss of tree cover has not only ecological consequences but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, with billions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere over the two-decade period.
Explore country profileThe situation is complex, with the interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors influencing land use decisions. This ongoing deforestation highlights the urgent need for sustainable land management practices that balance human needs with environmental conservation.
