Rising Wildfires and Urban Expansion Impact U.S. Tree Cover

Rising Wildfires and Urban Expansion Impact U.S. Tree Cover

The United States has witnessed a significant impact on its tree cover over the years, with data indicating a net loss of 3,485,991.38 hectares, which translates to a -1.23% change. This loss has been primarily driven by factors such as wildfires and urbanization. The area of stable tree cover remains at 237,725,811.80 hectares, yet the loss and disturbances in the cover are causes for concern.

Analyzing the historical data, forestry activities have been the most significant contributor to tree cover loss, accounting for the majority of the total loss each year. Wildfires, too, have played a substantial role, with an alarming increase in incidents over the years. Urbanization has consistently contributed to the loss, reflecting the ongoing expansion of cities and infrastructure.