The loss of forested areas worldwide has jumped by 51% in 2016

Photo AFP

AFP

Monday, 23 October 2017 21:19

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Monday, 23 October 2017 21:19

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WASHINGTON | The loss of forest area in the world has reached in 2016, a record high of 29.7 million hectares, an area the size of New Zealand, according to estimates published Monday by the Global Forest Watch (GFW).

This jump of 51% over one year is mainly explained by the numerous fires that have raged in the world last year. The recent fires in California and Portugal are expected to climb in 2017 to a new record of forests being destroyed.

The strong increase of forest fires in 2015 and 2016 due in part to the effects of the current cyclical warm Pacific El Niño, the second most intense ever recorded, which created conditions very dry in the Tropics. He has also played a role in the boreal and temperate forests.

According to the GFW –a partnership of forest monitoring process initiated by the research organization World Resources Institute (WRI)– the climate change also increases the intensity and cost of forest fires.

In addition to the fires, the deforestation linked to agriculture, logging and mining have also contributed to the significant reduction of forests in 2016.

Brazil, Indonesia and Portugal in particular have suffered increases particularly significant losses of forest cover by fire in 2016.

Thus, it has doubled in Brazil with the amazon region, which has lost 3.7 million hectares, or more than triple by 2015.

Portugal has lost 4% of its forested areas, the highest proportion for all countries combined and nearly half of the forest burnt in the whole European Union. According to the report, the prevalence of eucalyptus trees –which will burn readily– combined with poor soil management and lack of preventative measures, such as firewalls, explain the balance sheet.

The Republic of Congo experienced a forest fire the largest ever reported in central Africa, with 15 000 hectares destroyed in early 2016.

A Fort McMurray, Canada, the flames have ravaged in may more than 600 000 hectares and caused $ 8.8 billion dollars worth of damage.

Forest fires and deforestation can lead to an increase in premature death, diseases and have an economic impact is very negative, the report warns, noting that they can also affect the water sources, biodiversity, and release huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.