Julian CortesIn the first half of 2024, forest fires in Brazil consumed 4.48 million hectares, equivalent to burning the entire area of Rio de Janeiro every 4.9 days. These alarming statistics are particularly significant when compared to the Bolsonaro government, which saw 3.9 million hectares burned in the same period in 2021. This analysis is based on data from the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) and the MapBiomas Fire Monitor, detailing fire occurrences across the country.
Mainly Affected Biomes
The biomes most affected by the fires are the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal. Below is a detailed analysis of each biome during the Bolsonaro and current administrations.
Amazon:
- Bolsonaro Government (2021): 2.5 million hectares burned
- Current Administration (2024): 2.97 million hectares burned
Cerrado:
- Bolsonaro Government (2021): 0.8 million hectares burned
- Current Administration (2024): 0.947 million hectares burned
Pantanal:
- Bolsonaro Government (2021): 0.6 million hectares burned
- Current Administration (2024): 0.468 million hectares burned
Significant Increase in Fires
According to the Fire Monitor, there has been a 529% increase in fires in the first half of 2024 compared to previous years. This significant increase can be attributed to various factors, including intensifying dry seasons and the lack of effective fire prevention and control policies.
Specific Biome Details
Amazon:
The Amazon continues to be the most affected biome, with 2.97 million hectares burned in 2024, representing 66% of all burned areas in Brazil. The increase in Amazon fires compared to the Bolsonaro government is concerning and highlights the urgent need for measures to protect this vital biome.
Cerrado:
In the Cerrado, 947 thousand hectares were burned in the first half of 2024, a 48% increase compared to the same period last year. Of all fire occurrences, 72% occurred in native vegetation areas, showing the vulnerability of this biome to fires.
Pantanal:
The Pantanal lost 468 thousand hectares due to fires in the first half of 2024, with 79% of these losses occurring in June alone. While historically the peak of fires occurs in August, the escalation in July raises additional concerns.
Context and Proposed Measures
The severe drought, the worst in 70 years, has significantly contributed to the increase in Pantanal fires. Eduardo Rosa, coordinator of the Pantanal team at MapBiomas, suggests several fire prevention and combat actions applicable to other regions:
- Integrated Fire Management
- Controlled Burns
- Firebreaks
- Early Detection and Monitoring
- Environmental Education
- Social Awareness
- Public Awareness Campaigns
- Brigade Training
Comparison with the Bolsonaro Government
Comparing fire data from the Bolsonaro government and the current administration, there has been an increase in burned areas. During the Bolsonaro administration, 3.9 million hectares were burned in the first half of 2021. In the current administration, this number increased to 4.48 million hectares in the same period of 2024.
Comparative Chart of Burned Areas (in million hectares)
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| Data: National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) and MapBiomas (Fire monitor) |
Conclusion
The data presented reveals a concerning scenario of forest fires in Brazil, with a significant increase during the current government compared to the Bolsonaro government. The Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal are the most affected biomes, highlighting the urgency of implementing effective fire prevention and control policies to protect these vital ecosystems.
Sources and Further Reading:
National Institute for Space Research (Inpe)
MapBiomas (Monitor do Fogo)
Related Articles:
Amazon Forest Fires Increased by 123% in 2023
Pantanal Forest Fires Increased by 898% This Year, Inpe Reveals
- Article on Pantanal Forest FiresFire Alerts in 2024 Are the Highest in the Last 7 Years
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