Brazil's Amazon faces worst wildfires in 17 years
In Brazil, the Amazon is experiencing wildfires on a massive scale, affecting the largest area of forests in 17 years. From January to December 2024, over 137,000 forest fires were recorded.
Brazil's Institute for Space Research confirmed that wildfires in the Brazilian Amazon have reached their greatest extent in 17 years this year. Many residents of the Amazon have lost everything, their entire lives' work," the Institute reports. By early December, 137,538 fires had been recorded, and only some had been controlled. The only worse year in this regard was 2007 when the number of fires reached 186,480.
Compared to last year, the number of fires has increased by 43 percent. The Institute for Space Research indicates that most of the fires result from intentional arson related to cattle ranching and illegal mining.
Brazilian authorities and international organizations, such as FAO, accept controlled logging and burning of forests. These actions allow for the acquisition of agricultural and pasture land, which help sustain the indigenous population of these regions and reduce poverty.
Drought and fires
This year's drought has influenced the number of fires. In Brazil, it did not rain for about five months. The Brazilian central authorities emphasize that only 30 percent of the Amazon's territory is under their direct control, with the rest under local authorities. The federal government made a pact with the governors of the Amazon states, allowing for the mobilization and engagement of all necessary resources to combat the fires.
Currently, 1,700 specialists, 11 airplanes, 300 fire vehicles, and over 20 watercraft are participating in firefighting operations. The joint efforts aim to control the situation and protect the "lungs of the world" from further destruction. These resources are fighting the 578 ongoing fires in the Brazilian jungle.
