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30 Dec 2024

Australia Battles Tree Cover Loss as Wildfires Remain a Major Driver
Australia Battles Tree Cover Loss as Wildfires Remain a Major Driver

Australia, a country with a landmass spanning over 768 million hectares, has been grappling with significant tree cover loss over the years. The tree cover extent, which stands at approximately 42 million hectares, has seen a fluctuating pattern of loss and gain. However, wildfires have consistently emerged as a major driver of this loss, alongside other factors such as shifting agriculture, forestry, and urbanization.

An analysis of historical data reveals that the total tree cover loss in Australia from 2001 to 2022 amounts to millions of hectares, with a notable spike in 2020. During this period, wildfires were responsible for a substantial portion of the loss, emphasizing the impact of these incidents on Australia's natural landscape. In 2020 alone, wildfires accounted for over 83% of the total tree cover loss, a stark indication of the scale and intensity of these events.

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The net change in tree cover shows a loss of approximately 2.50 million hectares, with a gain of around 1.60 million hectares, leading to a net loss of over 900,000 hectares. This represents a change of about -1.03% in the tree cover, highlighting the challenges faced in maintaining and restoring Australia's forested areas.

The latest fire alert from Queensland, dated December 30, 2024, adds to the ongoing concern, with incidents of wildfires continuing to pose a threat to the region's biodiversity and ecological balance. The data underscores the need for a broader discussion on strategies to mitigate the risk of wildfires and enhance the resilience of Australia's forests.

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