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29 Aug 2024

Australia's Forests Face Ongoing Threat with Recent Queensland Fire Incident
Australia's Forests Face Ongoing Threat with Recent Queensland Fire Incident

A recent fire incident in Queensland, Australia, has put a spotlight on the country's ongoing struggle with forest loss and wildfires. Over the past two decades, Australia has experienced significant tree cover loss, with a net decrease of approximately 1.03%. In 2020 alone, the country saw a staggering tree cover loss of over 2.35 million hectares, largely due to wildfires, which contributed to around 76% of the total CO2 emissions from tree cover loss that year.

Wildfires have been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for a substantial portion of the emissions and loss each year. For instance, in 2019, wildfires were responsible for almost 80% of the total tree cover loss. The trend of increasing tree cover loss due to wildfires is alarming, with the years 2019 and 2020 marking the highest losses.

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Urbanization and forestry activities also contribute to the loss, but to a lesser extent compared to wildfires. Shifting agriculture, while not the largest contributor, still plays a role in the overall reduction of tree cover.

Australia's forests are not only crucial for biodiversity and habitat preservation but also for carbon sequestration, which is vital in the fight against climate change. The recent fire incident in Queensland is a reminder of the fragility of these ecosystems and the need for ongoing vigilance and management to protect and restore Australia's natural heritage.

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