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30 Dec 2024

Ethiopia's Tree Cover at Risk: A Look at the Impact of Shifting Agriculture and Urbanization
Ethiopia's Tree Cover at Risk: A Look at the Impact of Shifting Agriculture and Urbanization

In Ethiopia, a country with an area of over 112 million hectares, the tree cover extent is a vital environmental asset, covering approximately 12 million hectares. However, this green coverage faces significant threats, as evidenced by historical data showing a persistent loss of tree cover over the years. Shifting agriculture has been the primary driver, responsible for the majority of the tree cover loss, followed by urbanization, which, although less significant, still contributes to the environmental impact.

From 2001 to 2022, Ethiopia experienced a net loss in tree cover of approximately 738,331 hectares, equating to a 3.61% decrease from the stable tree cover extent. This loss is not only a concern for the country's natural landscape but also for the global environment, as it is associated with substantial CO2 emissions. The data indicates that shifting agriculture alone accounted for a staggering 92% of the total tree cover loss, underscoring the profound impact of this practice on Ethiopia's forests.

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The latest incident, a fire alert in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples region, serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Ethiopia faces in preserving its tree cover. While the incident count for this particular alert stands at one, it is part of a larger narrative of environmental degradation that requires attention and action.

The trend over the past two decades reveals a pressing need to address the drivers of tree cover loss. With shifting agriculture at the forefront, strategies to mitigate its impact are crucial for the conservation of Ethiopia's forests. The data paints a picture of a nation grappling with the dual challenges of development and environmental preservation, where the balance between agricultural practices and forest conservation remains delicate.

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