Brazil Faces Record Wildfires

January 24, 2025

In 2024, Brazil experienced unprecedented wildfires, culminating in a devastating ecological crisis. The country recorded over 30.87 million hectares of wilderness burned, marking a staggering 79% increase from the previous year. This surge in wildfires is attributed to a combination of climate change, drought conditions, and human activities, particularly in the Amazon region.

Overview of Wildfires in Brazil

In 2024, Brazil witnessed its worst wildfire season in recent history.
The total area affected surpassed that of entire countries, such as Italy.
Notably, September was the most catastrophic month, with 10.63 million hectares consumed by flames.
The Amazon region alone accounted for the majority of the destruction, with 17.9 million hectares lost.

Causes of the Wildfires

The primary drivers of the wildfires include climate change, the El Niño phenomenon, and illegal land clearing by farmers and ranchers. Rising global temperatures have intensified drought conditions, making vegetation more susceptible to fire. Additionally, human activities aimed at expanding agricultural land have exacerbated the situation.

Regional Impact

The wildfires affected various biomes across Brazil. The Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal, and Mata Atlântica regions faced severe losses. The Amazon was particularly hard-hit, losing substantial forest areas, which are crucial for carbon storage and biodiversity. The Cerrado region also suffered damage, accounting for a large portion of the burned land.

Increase in Fire Outbreaks

Data from the Rainforest Foundation US indicated a 43.7% rise in fire outbreaks in the Brazilian Amazon during the first 11 months of 2024 compared to 2023. A total of 134,979 fire outbreaks were recorded, denoting a concerning trend as the region approaches its historical maximum of 181,000 outbreaks.

Ecological Consequences

The ongoing wildfires pose severe threats to Brazil’s ecosystems. Approximately 23% of the country’s territory has burned at least once since 1985, with the Amazon and Cerrado regions accounting for the majority. Frequent wildfires hinder the Amazon’s ability to regenerate, raising the risk of an ecological tipping point.

Drought Conditions

Brazil faced a historic drought for the second consecutive year in 2024. These dry conditions, intensified by climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, complicated firefighting efforts. Low water levels in rivers made many areas inaccessible, further exacerbating the crisis.

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