00:00What's the hidden cost behind Europe's fastest growing forests?
00:09At the western end of Europe, there's a country whose forests are growing faster than anyone
00:14else in the EU.
00:15In just a year, Portugal's wooded area grew by an impressive 11%, says the latest data
00:21from Eurostat.
00:23Its boom reflects years of reforestation, as well as the country's relatively young
00:28woodland, but, above all, the widespread use of eucalyptus.
00:33This exceptionally fast-growing tree native to Oceania has turned the country into a major
00:39paper producer, but also sharply increased wildfire risks due to its highly flammable
00:45oils as well as heavy water consumption.
00:47In 2025 alone, the country lost 263,000 hectares to fires, the highest rate in the EU relative
00:56to its size, roughly eight times the size of Malta.
01:01Now the country is trying to turn the tide by improving forest mapping and, crucially, incentivizing
01:07the planting of native species like home and cork oak.
01:11Looking at forest gains versus losses, whether from logging or natural events like fires, droughts
01:17and pests, Ireland tops the list with 1.2% annual growth, while Portugal's was just 0.18%, still
01:27higher, however, than the EU's average.
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