Final answer:
Globally, forest cover has increased in certain temperate and boreal regions, often as secondary forests or plantations with non-native species. However, deforestation remains high in the tropics and subtropical regions due to agricultural expansion and other pressures, leading to significant biodiversity and old-growth forest loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Globally, forest cover has been subject to significant changes due to human activities. Over the past few decades, regions such as eastern and western North America, Alaska, Europe, eastern China, and Japan have observed an increase in forest cover, sometimes through afforestation with non-native species. However, these new forests often lack the biodiversity and carbon storage capacity of their old-growth predecessors.
In contrast, deforestation rates remain high in tropical and subtropical forests and other ecosystems like the South American cerrado. Population growth and the demand for agricultural land for food and biofuels have led to the intensification of land use and a sharp reduction in fallow periods. Substantial deforestation has occurred in regions such as Haiti, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Philippines, driven by economic necessity, agriculture, and illegal timber activities.
Overall, while there is an increase in plantation forestry and secondary forests in some regions, which may lead to a superficial increase in forest cover, the loss of old-growth forests and their conversion into other land types — especially in the tropics — presents significant environmental concerns. Such shifts emphasise the need for sustainable management and conservation strategies to protect remaining forests and restore degraded ecosystems.