The latest incident in Jonglei, South Sudan, where Ethiopia reported a single fire alert, is a reminder of the ongoing challenges the country faces with wildfires. Although wildfires have not been the primary cause of tree cover loss historically, they contribute to the overall degradation of Ethiopia's natural environment.
The trend over the years has shown fluctuations in the rate of tree cover loss, with some years witnessing higher rates than others. However, the overarching theme remains one of significant environmental concern, as the loss of tree cover carries implications for biodiversity, climate regulation, and local livelihoods.