2024 Brazil wildfires
| 2024 Brazil wildfires | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pantanal wetlands, Mato Grosso do Sul |
| Statistics | |
| Total fires | 1,315 |
| Total area | 32,000 hectares |
In 2024, severe wildfires burned 32,000 hectares of tropical wetland in Brazil's Pantanal in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. According to satellite data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research, the number of fires from the beginning of the year to 10 June showed a 935% increase compared to the same period in 2023 with 1,315 fires being reported compared to 127 fires in 2023.[1]
Background[edit]
Climate scientists noted that the 2024 Brazil wildfire season started earlier than typical seasons which start around July, and was also more intense this year due to decreased rainfall in certain regions leading to prolonged drought.[2]
Mato Grosso do Sul[edit]
In April, state authorities of Mato Grosso do Sul declared an environmental state of emergency due to low levels of rainfall disrupting the usual seasonal flooding, exacerbating conditions for potential wildfires in many parts of the region.
Throughout June, wildfires burned 32,000 hectares of the Pantanal wetlands, threatening many of the natural fauna including anteaters, jaguars, tapirs, caimans, and anacondas.
Efforts to extinguish the fires were complicated by high winds and the terrain of the wetlands making access and movement difficult.[1]
See also[edit]
- Wildfires in 2024
- 2020 Brazil rainforest wildfires
- 2019 Amazon rainforest wildfires
- 1967 Rio Doce State Park wildfire
References[edit]
- ^ a b Buschschlüter, Vanessa (10 June 2024). "Brazil wildfires: Parts of Pantanal wetlands ablaze amid drought". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ Paraguassu, Lisandra (6 June 2024). "Fires in Brazilian wetlands surge 980%, extreme drought expected". Reuters. Retrieved 10 June 2024.