California has reported a new wildfire incident on July 29, 2024, continuing a trend of environmental challenges faced by the United States. Over the past two decades, the U.S. has seen a significant increase in tree cover loss, primarily due to forestry activities and wildfires. The data reveals that forestry remains the leading cause of tree cover loss, followed by wildfires which have also contributed substantially to the overall figures. Urbanization and shifting agriculture have had a lesser but still notable impact.
The total area of tree cover loss in the U.S. from 2001 to 2022 amounts to over 39 million hectares, with an average annual loss of approximately 1.80 million hectares. This loss represents a significant portion of the country's tree cover, which stands at over 279 million hectares. The net change in tree cover over this period shows a decline of approximately 1.23%, taking into account both losses and gains in tree cover.
Explore country profileThe latest incident in California is a stark reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires in the region. As the U.S. grapples with these environmental setbacks, the focus on sustainable forestry practices and wildfire prevention measures becomes increasingly critical to mitigate future losses and ensure the preservation of vital ecosystems.
