Brazil Wildfires Effects on Amazon Rainforest
- Gabriel Matos
- Oct 3, 2024
- 2 min read
The world has been calling out for the forest fires that attack the Amazon Rainforest for a while now in Brazil. The frequent fires have been worse in 2024, and have wiped out big part of the essential ecosystem. Amazon, the "Lungs of the Earth," absorb 5-10% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, which is decreasing due to wildfires and . Yet the surge in wildfires pollute not only Brazil but also the globe.
Causes of the Wildfires: The increase in wildfires in Brazil was due to both natural and manmade causes. Dry seasons make the forest even more vulnerable to fires, but ultimately human interference is still the leading cause. Such fires are often set by farmers or loggers to clean and fertilise land for agriculture or farming. While it may be more common, this farming technique — called "slash-and-burn" quickly runs out of control when done to a massive extent. Illegal logging also contributes to the destruction, as cutting down trees opens up more land to dry out and ignite.
Policies of Brazilian government are also a problem. In recent years budget cuts have weakened the government's environmental protection agencies that monitor and prevent deforestation. In addition, the creation of policies to expand agriculture into the Amazon has contributed to more deforestation.
Habitat and Wildlife effects: Blazes have created damage to the Amazon, with an area about half the size of Germany reduced to ashes. The effect of this deforestation on the environment goes beyond what any forests have experienced. Habitat loss continues to drive countless species toward extinction. The fires, which have been burning for more than two weeks now, also add to the problem of global warming by releasing huge volumes of carbon dioxide as they destroy forests made up of trees that store big quantities of planet-warming greenhouse gases.
Local communities, e.g. indigenous peoples, hundreds live in the forest, and with their homes and resources being destroyed, thousands are trying to figure out ways to move forward. The fires also cause a choking cloud of smoke that can cause health problems for residents living nearby.
Global Impact and Solutions: Jim Corbett (An environmental scientist and wildlife researcher) says: “The wildfires burning in Brazil are a major national issue, they have major international implications. The Amazon is one of the hubs of the climate system on Earth, and if we destroy it — we will almost instantly accelerate global warming.” This crisis can only be dealt with with strict environmental policies and international collaborations. National and international organizations and governments of all countries call for better forest management and reforestation work. In conclusion, the Brazil wildfires are an environmental crisis which impacts not just the people of the nation but also that of our entire planet. The fate of the Amazon is critical to the health of our planet, and immediate steps must be taken for its preservation.
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