Australia's Tree Cover Faces Ongoing Threats with Latest Wildfire Incident in Western Australia

Australia's Tree Cover Faces Ongoing Threats with Latest Wildfire Incident in Western Australia

Australia's vast landscapes and rich biodiversity have been facing a persistent challenge with tree cover loss over the years. A recent incident in Western Australia, where a wildfire was reported on November 30, 2024, is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to the country's natural environment. Over the past two decades, Australia has experienced a significant fluctuation in tree cover loss due to various drivers, including shifting agriculture, forestry, wildfires, and urbanization.

Analysis of historical data reveals a concerning trend, with tree cover loss peaking dramatically in 2020 at over 2.35 million hectares. Wildfires have been a major contributing factor, accounting for a substantial portion of the loss each year. In 2020 alone, wildfires were responsible for approximately 83% of the total tree cover loss, highlighting the severity of these incidents on the ecosystem.