The Brazilian Amazon faces an unprecedented fire crisis, with over 12,000 square kilometers burned in four months, reports INPE.
This marks the highest number of fires ever recorded for this period. The fires between January and April burned more area than any previous year.
However, this pales in comparison to the peak dry season fires from August to November. During that period, fires can burn an equivalent area in just one month.
Jerônimo Martins, Deputy Director of the National Association of Career Specialists in Environment (Ascema), stresses the importance of environmental professionals.
“Prevention efforts like raising awareness about ignitions, creating firebreaks, and conducting prescribed burns depend on stable employment,” he says.
These measures are crucial as drought conditions favor fire spread.
The Brazilian Ministry of the Environment attributes the fires to climate change and an intense El Niño event.
This weather pattern has caused prolonged droughts in the Amazon and neighboring regions like Colombia and Venezuela.
Roraima state, with 40 percent of the fires, experienced its dry season early in the year. Climatic factors worsened the situation.
In Mato Grosso and Pará, accounting for 36 and 9 percent of the fires respectively, deforestation plays a significant role.
Despite the fires, both states saw a decrease in deforestation alerts. Mato Grosso saw a 45 percent decrease, and Pará saw a 40 percent decrease compared to last year, according to INPE’s Deter system.
Record-Breaking Blaze Devastates Brazilian Rainforest
Recent intense warming has changed fire patterns, pushing flames into areas of native vegetation.
From January to April 2024, 33 percent of Amazon fires occurred in primary vegetation areas. Additionally, 9 percent of fires occurred in recently deforested zones.
This fire crisis in the Amazon matters greatly. The Amazon rainforest, often called the “lungs of the Earth,” plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
The loss of vast forest areas accelerates climate change. It also impacts biodiversity and affects indigenous communities.
Global awareness and urgent action are essential to address this environmental disaster.
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