Brazil has already counted more wildfires in the Amazon this year than in all of 2021. According to the Brazilian space agency Inpe, satellite observations from January 1 to September 18, 2022 have identified about 75,592 fires in the rainforest. Last year there were a total of 75,090 fires. “These forest fires are an announced tragedy,” said André Freitas, spokesperson for the environmental organization Greenpeace in Brazil.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s four years in office were one of the darkest times for the environment. Environmental and climate activists blame the right-wing president’s policies, which they accuse of promoting illegal deforestation, for the increase in fires. Since Bolsonaro took office in January 2019, average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has increased by 75 percent compared to the previous decade.
Presidential elections in October: Favorit promises stricter protection
Brazilians will elect a new president in October. Some experts believe illegal slash-and-burn practices will increase this year as Bolsonaro chases his rival, left-wing ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in the polls. Lula promises stricter protection of the Amazon.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
