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30 Nov 2024

Ghana Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Changes
Ghana Grapples with Environmental Impact as Tree Cover Changes

Ghana has experienced significant environmental shifts over the past two decades, as revealed by the latest data on tree cover loss. The country's tree cover extent, which spans approximately 6.96 million hectares, has undergone a net change in tree cover resulting in a loss of about 884,921 hectares, while gains were recorded at approximately 312,124 hectares. This equates to a net loss of around 572,797 hectares, marking a 5.09% decrease in tree cover.

The primary driver of tree cover loss in Ghana has been identified as shifting agriculture, accounting for the vast majority of the lost hectares. Urbanization, while contributing to this loss, has been a significantly smaller factor. The environmental impact of these changes is substantial, with the total CO2e gross emissions associated with tree cover loss amounting to millions of megagrams over the years.

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In a recent incident, the Savannah Region of Ghana reported a fire alert on November 30, 2024, further highlighting the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. This single incident, though seemingly minor with just one alert, is part of a larger pattern of environmental disturbances that Ghana must address.

The data underscores the need for a broader discussion on sustainable land management practices and the importance of balancing agricultural development with environmental conservation to mitigate further tree cover loss and its associated impacts on the climate and ecosystems.

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