Over the years, shifting agriculture has consistently been the leading cause of deforestation, with the most significant loss occurring in 2017, where over 356,000 hectares were affected. The impact on the country's carbon emissions is substantial, with millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent released into the atmosphere as a result of this deforestation.
The decline in tree cover not only has implications for carbon emissions but also for biodiversity, water cycles, and local communities who depend on these forests for their livelihoods. The data reveals a troubling trend that requires attention and action to ensure the preservation of Mozambique's remaining forests.