Record Forest Fires in Brazil Due to Climate Change
In 2024, Brazil experienced an unprecedented increase in forest fires, primarily driven by climate change. The Fire Annual Report by MapBiomas revealed that over 30.87 million hectares of wilderness were lost to fires, marking rise from historical averages. This alarming trend marks the urgent need for effective fire management and climate action.
Forest Fires in Brazil
The report indicates that 62 per cent of the burnt area in 2024 exceeded the historical average of 18.5 million hectares. The past decade accounted for 43 per cent of all burnt areas since 1985. The Pantanal biome faced the most severe impact, with 62 per cent of its area burned at least once since 2019.
Analysis of Burnt Areas and Biomes
From 1985 to 2024, a total of 206 million hectares were affected by fire. The Cerrado biome recorded the highest recurrence of fires, with some areas burning more than 16 times in 40 years. In 2024, mega fire events, affecting over 100,000 hectares, accounted for nearly a third of the total burnt area.
Seasonal Patterns of Fires
The months from August to October were particularly devastating, with 72 per cent of the burnt areas occurring during this period. September alone accounted for a third of the total burnt area in the country.
Impact on Ecosystems
The vegetation consumed by fires rose to 72.7 per cent, with forest formations burning more than savanna formations. Notably, 93 per cent of fires in the Pantanal occurred in native vegetation, denoting the vulnerability of these ecosystems.
Historical Context of Fire Dynamics
Historical data indicates that fire dynamics in the Pantanal are linked to native vegetation and drought conditions. Prolonged droughts since 2018 have exacerbated fire risks, particularly around the Paraguay River.
Implications for Biodiversity and Health
The Atlantic biome experienced record fires in 2024, with 1.2 million hectares burnt, far exceeding historical averages. These fires threaten biodiversity and degrade essential ecosystem services related to climate, water, and soil health.
Human Influence on Fire Incidence
The fires in the Amazon were primarily human-induced, worsened by severe drought conditions. For the first time, forest vegetation was the most affected land cover, surpassing previously more affected pastures.
Geographic Distribution of Fires
The Amazon and Cerrado biomes accounted for 86 per cent of all burnt areas from 1985 to 2024. The states of Mato Grosso, Pará, and Maranhão were the most impacted, collectively representing 47 per cent of the burnt area in Brazil.
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