Venezuela’s Escalating Forest Fire Crisis: A Disturbing Trend in South America for 2024

• The South American region accumulated the highest number of forest fires in the last 15 years between January 1 and September 12, according to the Brazilian Institute for Space Research | Photo: forest fire in Brazil / EFE

Between January 1 and September 12 of this year, South America accumulated 350,370 forest fires, the highest number for the period in the last 15 years, according to data released Wednesday by the Brazilian Institute for Space Research (INPE).

The number of hot spots detected by INPE satellites in 13 South American countries as of Wednesday, with just over three and a half months to go until the end of the year, already exceeds that recorded in all of 2023 (344,391) and is approaching that of all of 2022 (362,918).

However, this is still far from the 413,751 forest fires that were recorded across the continent in the first nine months of 2010. Until now, the record for hot spots between January and September was in 2007, when 469,013 fires were recorded.

The country with the most fires in South America

Brazil is the country with the highest number of fires in all of South America so far this year, with 176,617 outbreaks, 50.3% of the total, followed by Bolivia with 63,537 (18.1%) and Venezuela with 38,990 (11.1%).

Argentina is next with 21,732 hot spots (6.2%), Paraguay with 18,926 (5.4%), Colombia with 14,346 (4.1%) and Peru with 10,017 (2.9%).

South America had 4,618 active forest fires on Wednesday, with the most worrying situation being in Brazil, with 3,502 fires (75.8% of the total) and Bolivia, with 586 (12.7%).

Firefighters work to contain a fire in a green area on September 12, in the city of Manaus, Amazonas (Brazil). Photo: EFE/ Raphael Alves

In these two countries, fires have been multiplying in both the Amazon and the Pantanal, and the smoke from them has affected air quality in a vast area stretching from northern Brazil to central Argentina, and has forced the suspension of flights in several cities.

This year’s historic drought in the Amazon, with the flow of several major rivers at minimum levels, has favored the spread of the fires, although the government claims that many of the fires were caused by human action, which is why it classifies them as criminal.

The Brazilian government reported this week that some 6.7 million hectares of the Brazilian Amazon have been scorched by fires since the beginning of the year, which represents 1.6% of the forest’s territory.

Meanwhile, in Bolivia, the government has declared a national emergency after fires destroyed more than 4 million hectares of forests and grasslands, according to data from private organizations.

With information from EFE

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The forest fires have had a devastating impact on biodiversity,⁤ with numerous animal ⁢species losing their habitats and trees ⁤being lost that take decades⁤ to regenerate.‍ What are the main causes of⁣ the increase in forest fires ⁤in ​South America?

South America Experiences⁣ Highest Number of⁤ Forest Fires in 15 Years

The South⁢ American region has witnessed the highest number ​of⁤ forest fires in the last⁤ 15 years,⁤ with a staggering 350,370 outbreaks recorded between January‍ 1 and September 12, 2024. According to the Brazilian Institute⁢ for Space Research ‌(INPE), this number surpasses the total number of fires recorded in all of⁣ 2023 and is rapidly approaching the 2022⁣ total.

Brazil Leads the Pack with the Most Forest Fires

Brazil takes the top spot with the highest number​ of forest fires in South America, accounting⁣ for 50.3% of​ the⁤ total ‌with 176,617 outbreaks. Bolivia follows ⁣closely‌ with 63,537 fires (18.1%), and Venezuela comes in third⁣ with 38,990 fires (11.1%). Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, and Peru also experience a significant number of ⁤forest fires, ​with 21,732, 18,926, 14,346, and 10,017 hot spots‌ respectively.

Critical​ Situation in Brazil and Bolivia

As of September 12, South America ​had 4,618 active forest fires, with Brazil and Bolivia being the most concerning hotspots. Brazil had 3,502 fires (75.8% of the total), while Bolivia had 586 fires (12.7%). The situation is particularly dire in these ⁣two countries, where fires have been spreading rapidly in ​both the‍ Amazon and the Pantanal regions. The smoke from these fires has affected air⁣ quality across a vast area, stretching from northern ‍Brazil to⁤ central Argentina, and has even forced the suspension of flights in several cities.

Historic Drought and Human Action Fuel Fires

This year’s historic ⁢drought in the Amazon, with the flow of several ⁤major rivers at minimum levels, has created a perfect storm for the spread of ‍forest fires. However, the Brazilian government ⁢claims ⁣that‌ many⁤ of the fires were caused ⁤by human ⁣action, which they classify ⁣as criminal.

Devastating Impact on the Environment

The Brazilian ⁣government reported that

– What are the main causes of the increase in forest fires in South America?

Forest Fires in South America: A Growing Concern

The South American region has been plagued by an unprecedented number of forest fires in recent years, with 2024 being no exception. According to the Brazilian Institute for Space Research (INPE), the region has accumulated a staggering 350,370 forest fires between January 1 and September 12, 2024, the highest number for the period in the last 15 years.

The Country with the Most Fires in South America

Brazil is the country with the highest number of fires in all of South America so far this year, with 176,617 outbreaks, accounting for 50.3% of the total. Bolivia follows closely with 63,537 fires (18.1%), and Venezuela ranks third with 38,990 fires (11.1%). Argentina, Paraguay, Colombia, and Peru have also reported significant numbers of forest fires.

The Devastating Impact on Biodiversity

The forest fires have had a devastating impact on biodiversity, with numerous animal species losing their habitats and trees being lost that take decades to regenerate. The fires not only destroy the natural habitats of animals but also release massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Main Causes of the Increase in Forest Fires in South America

Several factors have contributed to the increase in forest fires in South America. Some of the main causes include:

1. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have created an environment conducive to wildfires.
2. Deforestation: The clearance of forests for agricultural purposes, urbanization, and logging has left behind dry and susceptible vegetation.
3. Human Activity: Intentional burning of forests for land clearing, accidental ignition from cigarettes or other human activities, and arson have all contributed to the rise in forest fires.
4. Drought: Prolonged droughts have left forests dry and vulnerable to ignition.

Consequences of Forest Fires

The consequences of forest fires in South America are far-reaching and devastating. Some of the most significant impacts include:

1. Loss of Biodiversity: The destruction of natural habitats leads to the loss of animal species and plant diversity.
2. Climate Change: Forest fires release massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
3. Air and Water Pollution: Forest fires pollute the air and water, affecting human health and ecosystems.
4. Economic Impacts: Forest fires result in significant economic losses, both directly and indirectly, through the destruction of infrastructure, crops, and livestock.

Conclusion