Major Fires Erupt in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest

Major fires have erupted in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, CNN reports. Scientists warn that this could deliver a severe blow to the fight against climate change.

The National Institute for Space Research of Brazil stated that the fires have not spread at such a rapid pace since 2013. This year, 72,843 fire outbreaks have been recorded in Brazil, with more than half occurring in the Amazon region. According to the institute, this is 80% higher compared to the same period last year.

The Amazon is often referred to as “the lungs of our planet,” as it provides 20% of the Earth’s oxygen supply. The Amazon rainforest is also vital for slowing global warming and serves as a habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

The smoke from the Amazon fires has reached over 2,700 km away to São Paulo, where the sky has been covered with thick black smoke and ash. The smoke has shrouded nearly half of Brazil and has even reached neighboring Peru, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

Environmentalists blame Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro for endangering the Amazon rainforest. Activists claim that Bolsonaro has weakened environmental oversight in the country and encourages deforestation.

In response, President Bolsonaro has accused NGOs of burning the Amazon rainforest without providing any evidence. Bolsonaro expressed his belief that NGOs have set the forests on fire due to losing funding and aim to put the country in a bad light.