Zambia's Tree Cover at Risk: Recent Fire Incident Highlights Ongoing Environmental Challenges

Zambia's Tree Cover at Risk: Recent Fire Incident Highlights Ongoing Environmental Challenges

Zambia has recently experienced a fire incident in its Northwestern Province, casting a spotlight on the country's ongoing struggle with environmental degradation. Over the past two decades, Zambia has seen a significant reduction in its tree cover due to various factors, with shifting agriculture being the predominant driver. The country's total area spans over 75 million hectares, with approximately 32% covered by trees. However, this tree cover has been consistently declining.

Analysis of historical data reveals that shifting agriculture accounts for the vast majority of tree cover loss, with an overwhelming 98% contribution to the total deforestation. Urbanization, although less significant, still plays a role, contributing to the loss of tree cover and associated CO2 emissions. Wildfires, while not the leading cause, have also been a consistent threat to Zambia's forests, as evidenced by the latest fire alert.