Wildfires, in particular, have been a significant driver of tree cover loss, with millions of hectares affected over the decades. The forestry sector also plays a substantial role, with the most recent data from 2022 showing that it was responsible for the loss of approximately 62.80% of the total tree cover loss for that year. Urbanization, while contributing to a smaller percentage of the loss, remains a consistent factor.
The latest incident in California serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat wildfires pose to the U.S. tree cover. As the country grapples with these environmental challenges, the data underscores the need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate the loss and promote the recovery of forested areas.
