Rising Wildfires in the United States: A Growing Threat to Forests

Rising Wildfires in the United States: A Growing Threat to Forests

The United States has witnessed a significant trend in tree cover loss over the past two decades, with a notable impact from wildfires. Analysis of historical data reveals that forestry activities have been the predominant driver of tree cover loss, followed by wildfires and urbanization. The total area of tree cover loss in the United States reached 2,204,642.52 hectares in 2022, marking a concerning upward trajectory.

Wildfires have been a particularly destructive force, with the latest incident occurring in Wyoming, USA, as of September 30, 2024. This single incident adds to the cumulative effect of wildfires on the country's tree cover. Over the years, the area affected by wildfires has fluctuated, with a significant spike observed in 2022, where wildfires accounted for over 688,339.85 hectares of tree cover loss.