Russia, with its vast expanse of forested land, has faced significant environmental challenges over the years. The latest incident data reveals a single fire alert in Penza Oblast, a stark contrast to the extensive history of tree cover loss the country has experienced. Over two decades, Russia has seen a net change in tree cover that reflects a negligible decrease of approximately 0.02%. However, the underlying figures are more concerning, with a total loss of 37.40 million hectares and a gain of 37.20 million hectares, indicating a nearly balanced but still negative net change.
Analyzing the historical data, the primary driver of tree cover loss has been wildfires, which accounted for the majority of the losses each year. In 2022 alone, wildfires resulted in the loss of over 3.10 million hectares of tree cover. Forestry activities also contribute significantly to the loss, with over 1.10 million hectares lost in 2022. Shifting agriculture, while present, plays a minor role in comparison.
Explore country profileThe environmental impact of these losses is substantial, with total gross CO2 emissions reaching alarming levels. For instance, in 2022, the emissions were over 737 million metric tons, a figure that underscores the urgency of addressing these environmental incidents. The ongoing struggle with wildfires and deforestation in Russia is a reminder of the delicate balance that needs to be maintained to protect the environment and mitigate climate change.
