Fires Surge in Brazil’s Amazon for Third Consecutive Month

Fires Surge in Brazil’s Amazon for Third Consecutive Month

Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has witnessed an alarming surge in fires, with September recording the highest number for the month in almost 15 years. This follows similarly high levels in the preceding months. The situation has been exacerbated by a prolonged drought across South America, attributed to climate change, leading to intense blazes and widespread smoke cover.

Unprecedented Fire Activity

Satellite data from the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) reveals that Brazil’s Amazon experienced 41,463 fire hot spots in September alone. This represents the highest number for that month since 2010. Furthermore, the first nine months of 2024 have witnessed the worst fire activity in the region since 2007.

Extreme Conditions and Criminal Activity

As part of a flyover to Santarem in the Amazonian state of Para, a Reuters reporter observed hundreds of miles of haze. Para has recorded the highest number of fire hot spots for September since 2007. The Amazon’s typically lush conditions have become more flammable due to the drought, creating an environment suitable for the spread of fires. Experts attribute the majority of blazes to human activity, particularly deliberate land clearing for farming and ranching. In many cases, criminals claim the land with the intention of selling it later for profit rather than using it for agriculture.

Presidential Condemnation and Law Enforcement Response

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has condemned the fires as “criminal.” The federal police have announced an expansion of their efforts to combat environmental crimes in the Amazon and other affected areas.

Large-Scale Destruction and Environmental Concerns

From January to August, 62,268 square kilometers of Brazil’s Amazon have been consumed by flames. Fires typically peak during the dry season between August and September. However, with the arrival of the rainy season, the situation is expected to improve in the coming weeks. The widespread fires have not only caused significant destruction to the rainforest but also raised concerns about the release of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and further fueling the drought cycle.