Iraq faces a new environmental hurdle as a fire incident was reported in the Basra Governorate on October 29, 2024. This incident adds to the country's ongoing struggle with tree cover loss, which has seen a net change of 30.50% over the years. Despite the challenges, Iraq has seen a net gain in tree cover of 8,903 hectares, indicating some recovery amidst the losses. The country's tree cover extent currently stands at 17,504 hectares, a small fraction of its total area of over 44.50 million hectares. The environmental impact of these incidents is significant, as the loss of tree cover contributes to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. The data suggests a trend of fluctuating tree cover loss in Iraq, with the highest recorded loss in 2003 at nearly 20 hectares. However, the absence of specific drivers in the data underscores the complexity of environmental issues in the region. The latest fire alert underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect Iraq's natural landscapes.
Explore country profile