Over 1,500 New Fire Cases in Amazon Regions and Group of Seven Support
The President of Brazil has deployed the military to extinguish fires in the Amazon regions. However, the fires continue to spread, with 1,663 new cases of forest fires reported over just two days. This figure has reached 76,000 cases since the beginning of the current year.
One of the most severe forest fires is raging in the Amazon rainforests, with flames consuming increasingly larger areas of forestland.
According to a report from Brazil’s Institute of Space Research, 1,663 new fire cases broke out in the Amazon rainforest during just two days on Thursday and Friday (August 22 and 23). This data was released on Saturday, August 24 (September 2).
This research institute released alarming satellite data and imagery of forest fires in the Amazon region at the beginning of last week. Based on this data, more than 76,000 forest fire cases have occurred since the beginning of the current year, showing an 84 percent increase compared to last year.
Most of these incidents have occurred on private land, but protected natural areas and lands owned by indigenous Amazon communities have also been affected and repeatedly burned.
According to Brazil’s Institute of Space Research, the global rate of deforestation in rainforests in June of this year was 60 percent higher than the same period last year. Much of this environmental destruction has occurred in Brazil.
Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil, denied the data from this research institute and dismissed the head of the research organization after the information was released. Bolsonaro does not believe in human influence on climate change and favors the expansion of agricultural industries.
After facing severe criticism from the international community regarding his approach and lack of support for Amazon rainforest conservation, Bolsonaro finally announced that he would deploy the military to combat the fires.
Military operations involving 44,000 soldiers have now begun in the state of Rondônia. So far, four states have requested military assistance.
Support Announced by Seven Industrialized Nations
The Group of Seven summit announced support for combating the fires in the Amazon region. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, stated on the sidelines of the summit that Group of Seven aid should reach the region “as soon as possible.”
Colombia, a neighbor of Brazil, has also requested assistance from the international community. Macron said he would contact Latin American countries. He added that the issue concerns “financial and technical assistance.”
The French President reiterated his earlier position, stating that efforts should be made and assistance provided in the areas of reforestation and forest expansion.
Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s right-wing president, faces increasing international pressure, as he had initially downplayed the forest fires. On Friday (August 23), Bolsonaro said: “Forest fires exist everywhere in the world; this cannot be an excuse for international sanctions.” It was only after international pressure that Bolsonaro was forced to deploy the military.
Source: DW
