Amazon Rainforest Fires Reach 14-Year High

In August 2024, the Brazilian Amazon rainforest experienced a surge in fires, reaching the highest levels since 2010, with satellites detecting 38,266 hotspots, more than double the number from the previous year. This increase follows a record drought exacerbated by climate change and the El Niño weather pattern, leaving the region particularly vulnerable. Conservation experts, including Helga Correa from WWF-Brasil, attribute the fires to a combination of human actions, weather conditions, and land-use changes, notably in areas designated as the Arch of Deforestation. The data indicates a troubling trend, as August typically marks the peak fire season in the Amazon, with conditions becoming increasingly conducive for fire spread due to warmer, drier vegetation. The significant rise in fire activity underscores the critical state of the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the impact of deforestation and climate change on this vital ecosystem.