The worst Amazon fire season in 20 years began in 2024, with Brazilian fire brigades fighting fierce fires across the rainforest. In the first seven months of this year, fires have destroyed 26,246 square kilometres—an area larger than Maryland—due to a record-breaking drought and global warming.
Firefighters from 600 kilometres away are fighting the fire in Apui, Amazonas. Even when they try, the fires keep spreading, destroying forests and pastures. Since drier and hotter temperatures have made the rainforest more fire-prone, the situation is dire.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has committed to eradicating illegal deforestation before attending the UN COP30 climate summit next year, faces a major task this fire season. Despite early victories in curbing illegal logging, deforestation rose for the first time in 15 months in July, challenging Lula’s environmental strategy.
As Amazon fires peak in August and September, Brazil’s environmental issue becomes more urgent. Burning could unleash large volumes of carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming, say scientists. Brazil’s Amazon protection efforts are at a crossroads, as conditions are likely to worsen before seasonal rains. The world watches as Lula’s government faces an unprecedented environmental problem.
