Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has reached a six-year low, with a significant decline in cleared land. However, the region is experiencing an alarming surge in fires, exacerbated by a historic drought, raising concerns about the future of this vital ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- Deforestation in September was 561 square kilometers, a 30% decrease from last year.
- Fires in the Amazon increased nearly 18-fold, affecting 39,983 square kilometers.
- Fire hotspots detected by satellites rose by 70%, totaling 145,357.
- Scientists warn of potential destabilization of the Amazon due to climate change and deforestation.
Deforestation Rates Decline
According to Brazil’s national space research institute, INPE, the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has significantly decreased. In September, only 561 square kilometers were cleared, bringing the total for the past year to 4,191 square kilometers. This area is roughly equivalent to 600,000 football fields, marking a 30% decline from the previous year’s figure of 6,029 square kilometers.
Surge in Fires
In stark contrast to the declining deforestation rates, the area affected by fires in the Amazon has surged dramatically. The total area impacted by fires has increased from 4,700 square kilometers to 39,983 square kilometers, an 18-fold rise. This surge is largely attributed to a historic drought that has gripped the region.
The number of fire hotspots detected by satellite has also seen a significant increase, rising to 145,357, which is a 70% increase from the previous year’s count of 85,670.
Broader Impacts of Fires
The fires are not only confined to the Amazon but are also widespread across South America, contributing to air pollution and health issues. In Brazil, regions outside the Amazon, such as the Pantanal and Cerrado, have also experienced severe fire outbreaks.
Scientific Concerns
Scientists have raised alarms about the potential consequences of the combined effects of deforestation, forest degradation, and climate change. They warn that these factors could destabilize the Amazon rainforest, leading to widespread die-offs of trees, particularly in the southern and eastern regions. Such changes could disrupt rainfall patterns across the continent and threaten the biodiversity that relies on the rainforest ecosystem.
Future Monitoring
The Brazilian government is expected to release preliminary official deforestation figures for the year ending July 31, 2024, later this year. This timeline is chosen because cloud cover is typically minimal around July, allowing for clearer observations and year-over-year comparisons.
The situation in the Amazon remains critical, with the balance between deforestation and fire management becoming increasingly important for the health of this vital ecosystem.
Sources
- Deforestation remains low, but fires surge in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, Mongabay – Conservation News.
